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Gridiron #3
Downed
He’s the guy no one likes…
Despite winning two national championships, JR “Ace” Anderson was sent packing from his old school after losing the trust of his coach. At Southern U, he has a second chance to prove that his college legacy isn’t endless debauchery and selfishness. But his reputation precedes him, and his teammates offer a chilly welcome in the locker room. The one person who is willing to accept him is the very woman he should stay away from—his new coach’s daughter.
She’s the girl everyone loves…
Bryant Johnson’s only goal in life is to make others happy, even at her own expense. One look at her father’s new star quarterback, and she knows that Ace is her next project. With a reputation for being a “jerk whisperer”, Bryant has spent her last three years at college reforming sorry behavior and turning bad boys into the best boyfriends ever. In Ace, though, she’s met with surly resistance and a sizzling attraction she doesn’t expect. Fixing this wounded warrior will be her biggest challenge yet. Not falling for him will be even harder.
Between her big heart and his damaged one, a battle is ensuing. In this game of love, every defense will crumble.
Despite winning two national championships, JR “Ace” Anderson was sent packing from his old school after losing the trust of his coach. At Southern U, he has a second chance to prove that his college legacy isn’t endless debauchery and selfishness. But his reputation precedes him, and his teammates offer a chilly welcome in the locker room. The one person who is willing to accept him is the very woman he should stay away from—his new coach’s daughter.
She’s the girl everyone loves…
Bryant Johnson’s only goal in life is to make others happy, even at her own expense. One look at her father’s new star quarterback, and she knows that Ace is her next project. With a reputation for being a “jerk whisperer”, Bryant has spent her last three years at college reforming sorry behavior and turning bad boys into the best boyfriends ever. In Ace, though, she’s met with surly resistance and a sizzling attraction she doesn’t expect. Fixing this wounded warrior will be her biggest challenge yet. Not falling for him will be even harder.
Between her big heart and his damaged one, a battle is ensuing. In this game of love, every defense will crumble.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2016
336 people are currently reading
3523 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 468 reviews
December 7, 2016
➦This was a very sweet sports romance, a third in the Gridiron series and can totally be read as a standalone. It is my favorite out of the three. I really enjoyed the characters and the sports aspect was done nicely - team spirit and all that jazz. :D
➦Ace is a quarterback who gets transferred to a new college team. A fresh start, right? Wrong. His past certainly follows him and he has trouble bonding with his new team because of it. His teammates don't trust him and while Ace certainly plays an A game on the field he wishes to actually be friends with the guys.
➦Lady luck is on Ace's side though because Bryant, the daughter of the football coach, picks him to be one of her "projects." She reforms asshole college guys into gentlemen and then promptly dumps them onto one of her sorority sisters. Pretty healthy behavior, no? As you can tell, Bryant isn't without issues of her own. Will Bryant be able to "fix" Ace?
➦Well, you know, I luuuurve me a pretend boyfriend/girlfriend trope. Although I suppose this wasn't really your usual pretend girlfriend trope since only one person was pretending. Or at least she was trying really hard to. lol
➦I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did given the fact that mcs start getting jiggy with it practically on page one. But I have to say that the story from then on focused more on the emotional aspect of their relationship and I loved reading about the transformation both characters made.
➦I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves sports romances about football with reformed heroes and sweet/affectionate heroines.
December 5, 2016
I think I got an accidental ARC.
A few days ago, I signed up for a free Sacked e-book from Jen Frederick because well, free e-book. And indeed I got it, along with with a Downed ARC. It seems that the Book Gods do favor their faithful servants.
I'm not exactly a sports adept. In fact, back in high school I was the girl everyone avoided in P.E. class and with good reason; they wanted to protect their heads and other vital organs from my rogue throws. Even my teachers were scared of me. Hell, I was scared of me. The only time I get really obsessed with sports is when the Greece National basketball team plays. I still recall the glorious semi-final of the 2006 Fiba World Championship, when to everyone's astonishment we beat the United States team 101-95. Setting aside my mediocre knowledge on basketball, I suck at sports. And since Downed was focused on football, you can understand where this long introduction is going.
I didn't understand much.
But, this doesn't change the fact that I had a wonderful time reading Downed. Jen Frederick could claim that pink unicorns participated in the game and I wouldn't know whether she was joking or not, but Ace and Bryant's story was everything I needed; a sweet, sexy and funny romance of the heart/panties-melting variety that kept me great company!
Bad boy meets good girl and together they create fireworks.
That's Downed's concept, and Jen Frederick executed it perfectly! Ace is the jerk everyone hates, his team avoids him and treats him like he has the plague because of his bad reputation. Until his coach's daughter, a proper southern lady that can't say “no” to anyone, decides he's her next project and that she'll make a decent human being out of him. Yes, I said project. You see, after a tragedy that marked her, Bryant took it upon her to make happy the entire world, even if that meant putting aside her own desires. But what happens if Ace isn't the one who needs saving after all?
Reading on the bus can be difficult for various reasons. You can't cry, laugh or swoon because you have to maintain the image of the proper young lawyer you are. An image that crumbles anyway when the sweet grandpa next to you takes a peak to your e-reader and notices the hot'n'dirty cover.
And the content matches this delicious sight. Ace and Bryant were two characters with sizzling chemistry that did funny things to your insides, and their scenes were tastier than sin. But there was also affection and gentleness. Both of them fought their demons and their fears and conquered them, and in this journey they were together. Ace, besides the cocky, filthy-mouthed and bitter bastard that he was, was also vulnerable and insecure, and wanted someone to believe in him. And Bryant did. While I liked her a lot, her compassion and her sweetness, there were some things that didn't sit right with me. She could be such a doormat, always pleasing others, and I could not comprehend her whole project thing. She thought of Ace as a broken toy that needed fixing, while it was clear that she had huge issues to deal with.
In the end, I am glad I got this accidental ARC, because Ace and Bryant's story cured my romance withdrawal. Who knows, maybe Downed can make a sports fan out of me!
A few days ago, I signed up for a free Sacked e-book from Jen Frederick because well, free e-book. And indeed I got it, along with with a Downed ARC. It seems that the Book Gods do favor their faithful servants.
I'm not exactly a sports adept. In fact, back in high school I was the girl everyone avoided in P.E. class and with good reason; they wanted to protect their heads and other vital organs from my rogue throws. Even my teachers were scared of me. Hell, I was scared of me. The only time I get really obsessed with sports is when the Greece National basketball team plays. I still recall the glorious semi-final of the 2006 Fiba World Championship, when to everyone's astonishment we beat the United States team 101-95. Setting aside my mediocre knowledge on basketball, I suck at sports. And since Downed was focused on football, you can understand where this long introduction is going.
I didn't understand much.
But, this doesn't change the fact that I had a wonderful time reading Downed. Jen Frederick could claim that pink unicorns participated in the game and I wouldn't know whether she was joking or not, but Ace and Bryant's story was everything I needed; a sweet, sexy and funny romance of the heart/panties-melting variety that kept me great company!
“Ace is an asshole...
But he's my asshole.”
Bad boy meets good girl and together they create fireworks.
That's Downed's concept, and Jen Frederick executed it perfectly! Ace is the jerk everyone hates, his team avoids him and treats him like he has the plague because of his bad reputation. Until his coach's daughter, a proper southern lady that can't say “no” to anyone, decides he's her next project and that she'll make a decent human being out of him. Yes, I said project. You see, after a tragedy that marked her, Bryant took it upon her to make happy the entire world, even if that meant putting aside her own desires. But what happens if Ace isn't the one who needs saving after all?
“If I date you, I have one rule, too.”
“What is it?”
“You don't hold back on me.”
Reading on the bus can be difficult for various reasons. You can't cry, laugh or swoon because you have to maintain the image of the proper young lawyer you are. An image that crumbles anyway when the sweet grandpa next to you takes a peak to your e-reader and notices the hot'n'dirty cover.
And the content matches this delicious sight. Ace and Bryant were two characters with sizzling chemistry that did funny things to your insides, and their scenes were tastier than sin. But there was also affection and gentleness. Both of them fought their demons and their fears and conquered them, and in this journey they were together. Ace, besides the cocky, filthy-mouthed and bitter bastard that he was, was also vulnerable and insecure, and wanted someone to believe in him. And Bryant did. While I liked her a lot, her compassion and her sweetness, there were some things that didn't sit right with me. She could be such a doormat, always pleasing others, and I could not comprehend her whole project thing. She thought of Ace as a broken toy that needed fixing, while it was clear that she had huge issues to deal with.
“Football is a game, but Bryant is my future. And I'll keel fighting for her as long as it takes.”
In the end, I am glad I got this accidental ARC, because Ace and Bryant's story cured my romance withdrawal. Who knows, maybe Downed can make a sports fan out of me!
February 9, 2017
Favourite from this series! 5 stars!
Aww, that was such a good reading. I was wondering if it was possible for the author to make the hero look good again after the way he was in book 2. Well color me surprised, because she did a fine job doing just that.
So anyone, bless your heart, who doesn't want to read the book only because the hero is none other than Ace, I'm telling you, you're missing out, big time.
Because there is nothing better than an asshole hero who turns around and becomes a good guy, but without exaggeration.
"I’ve come a long, long way since my days at Western State. I’m still an asshole, but I like to think that these days I’m a lovable one. Or, that at least one person in particular loves my asshole self."
So I ended up loving Ace, in fact, I think he may be my favourite boy from Gridiron. And the heroine too, she was such a sweetheart, that I couldn't believe that girls like her exist at all, but hey it's a fiction, so no problem for me. They were so different, but as it appeared, so good for each other in the end.
Not too much drama, mostly love, hearts and flowers, and hot sex here too.
And also football, a lot of too. Since I'm a sucker for sport, college NA, I loved all that field and locker room stuff.
Anyway, this was a very, very nice reading, loved it and would recommend, especially if you have already read and enjoyed 2 previous books in series.
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Aww, that was such a good reading. I was wondering if it was possible for the author to make the hero look good again after the way he was in book 2. Well color me surprised, because she did a fine job doing just that.
So anyone, bless your heart, who doesn't want to read the book only because the hero is none other than Ace, I'm telling you, you're missing out, big time.
Because there is nothing better than an asshole hero who turns around and becomes a good guy, but without exaggeration.
"I’ve come a long, long way since my days at Western State. I’m still an asshole, but I like to think that these days I’m a lovable one. Or, that at least one person in particular loves my asshole self."
So I ended up loving Ace, in fact, I think he may be my favourite boy from Gridiron. And the heroine too, she was such a sweetheart, that I couldn't believe that girls like her exist at all, but hey it's a fiction, so no problem for me. They were so different, but as it appeared, so good for each other in the end.
Not too much drama, mostly love, hearts and flowers, and hot sex here too.
And also football, a lot of too. Since I'm a sucker for sport, college NA, I loved all that field and locker room stuff.
Anyway, this was a very, very nice reading, loved it and would recommend, especially if you have already read and enjoyed 2 previous books in series.
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2016
4 STARS
Well spank my butt and call me Larry, I did NOT expect to like this as much as I did. Now, now, don't go getting all hissy on me, let me 'splain. See, the thing is, for as much as I loved Ace in Sacked and was salivating for his story, I was torn between wanting to sack him in the nuts and whacking him with a blunt object until he sees reason in Jockblocked. He single-handedly ruined the book for me. The man was a damn drama queen is what I'm telling you here. I didn't think anything was going to redeem him after that mess in my eyes, but I was definitely willing to give it a go. Turns out, all Ace needed was a sugary sweet souther girl, who's as pushy as she is nice.
Ace lost everything after his ego and actions led him to almost see his budding football career go up in flames. Now he's at a new school, hoping for a fresh page and a new start. But some things are hard to escape and it's not long before he finds himself in a similar predicament, but with a different girl.
Everyone loves Bryant Johnson, and it's not hard to see why. She's sweet as sugar, never cusses, ready to help anyone at the drop of hat, is a phenomenal cook and an even better friend, and the football coach's daughter. But it's not all shiny perfection that it seems. Bryant's actions are all centered around a very painful loss. Everything she does now is all in an exercise to fix the future, so her loss isn't experienced by some other woman. But nothing quite prepared her for the full impact of JR "Ace" Anderson
So confession time; I don't usually like the sugary sweet heroines. But something about Bryant just grabbed me. Perhaps it was because there was always that little crack to the shiny foundation that everyone sees on the outside that humanized her. She was almost too perfect at times, but it also worked for her. She was the perfect balm that Ace's ragged edges needed.
Did Ace redeem himself in this book? More than. THIS is the man that I was hoping was under all that false ego and bluster. You really got to see the heart of him here, and suddenly all of his past actions begin to make sense.
Downed was a delicious combination of sweet and spicy, sexy and romantic. It was one of those perfect college sport romances that made me remember why I enjoy NA in the first place. It had just the right amount of angst and just the right amount of steam to keep me reading well into the night. Dare I say, it was my favorite in the series
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
He likes to take control—on and off the field. He plays hard, loves hard. I should’ve been prepared for him, but I wasn’t.
Well spank my butt and call me Larry, I did NOT expect to like this as much as I did. Now, now, don't go getting all hissy on me, let me 'splain. See, the thing is, for as much as I loved Ace in Sacked and was salivating for his story, I was torn between wanting to sack him in the nuts and whacking him with a blunt object until he sees reason in Jockblocked. He single-handedly ruined the book for me. The man was a damn drama queen is what I'm telling you here. I didn't think anything was going to redeem him after that mess in my eyes, but I was definitely willing to give it a go. Turns out, all Ace needed was a sugary sweet souther girl, who's as pushy as she is nice.
Ace lost everything after his ego and actions led him to almost see his budding football career go up in flames. Now he's at a new school, hoping for a fresh page and a new start. But some things are hard to escape and it's not long before he finds himself in a similar predicament, but with a different girl.
Everyone loves Bryant Johnson, and it's not hard to see why. She's sweet as sugar, never cusses, ready to help anyone at the drop of hat, is a phenomenal cook and an even better friend, and the football coach's daughter. But it's not all shiny perfection that it seems. Bryant's actions are all centered around a very painful loss. Everything she does now is all in an exercise to fix the future, so her loss isn't experienced by some other woman. But nothing quite prepared her for the full impact of JR "Ace" Anderson
So confession time; I don't usually like the sugary sweet heroines. But something about Bryant just grabbed me. Perhaps it was because there was always that little crack to the shiny foundation that everyone sees on the outside that humanized her. She was almost too perfect at times, but it also worked for her. She was the perfect balm that Ace's ragged edges needed.
Did Ace redeem himself in this book? More than. THIS is the man that I was hoping was under all that false ego and bluster. You really got to see the heart of him here, and suddenly all of his past actions begin to make sense.
Downed was a delicious combination of sweet and spicy, sexy and romantic. It was one of those perfect college sport romances that made me remember why I enjoy NA in the first place. It had just the right amount of angst and just the right amount of steam to keep me reading well into the night. Dare I say, it was my favorite in the series
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
November 14, 2021
4.5 STARS
This is hands down my favorite book of the series to date. The author not only redeemed this character by catapulted him onto my book boyfriend list. Bravo, Jen Frederick!
JR “Ace” Anderson leaves the college where the last two books took place because his former coach was going to replace him as the starting quarterback and let a freshman take his position. He also got into a lot of hot water sleeping with the coach’s daughter and he blew apart his friendship with Lucy.
He’s now a Renegade and the starting quarterback and hoping to bring this team to the championships. The only problem is that he’s struggling to connect with his teammates and then there’s Bryant Johnson the school’s golden girl who has claimed him as her unwilling boyfriend.
”Ace is to me – a project. An asshole to be made into a gentleman who won’t drive precious girls to take their own lives out of grief.”
Bryant Johnson is an adorable heroine who through her family’s loss has a catch and release program of sorts taking a womanizer and turning them into solid boyfriend material. She’s also the coach’s daughter and she thinks she has the upper hand on Ace yet she couldn’t be more wrong…
”You want us to date? Then come all over my fucking hand, baby. Right now.”
Bryant and Ace were fantastic together and I just ate up the way in which they both blossomed as a couple. I had several favorite scenes one of which was Bryant getting rid of all the requests of Bryant and the bar and of course the kidnapping. These two are perfectly matched and their chemistry and fall into love was perfection!
This book can be read as a standalone but any fan of a good college football romance should meet Ace and Bryant.
”Maybe that’s all that is necessary. To be there for someone. To tell someone that their hurt is real. That they are valuable. That they matter. And maybe that’s a lesson I should take to heart. That living matters, even if it means a little pain now and again. I guess I’m my own last project.”
This is hands down my favorite book of the series to date. The author not only redeemed this character by catapulted him onto my book boyfriend list. Bravo, Jen Frederick!
JR “Ace” Anderson leaves the college where the last two books took place because his former coach was going to replace him as the starting quarterback and let a freshman take his position. He also got into a lot of hot water sleeping with the coach’s daughter and he blew apart his friendship with Lucy.
He’s now a Renegade and the starting quarterback and hoping to bring this team to the championships. The only problem is that he’s struggling to connect with his teammates and then there’s Bryant Johnson the school’s golden girl who has claimed him as her unwilling boyfriend.
”Ace is to me – a project. An asshole to be made into a gentleman who won’t drive precious girls to take their own lives out of grief.”
Bryant Johnson is an adorable heroine who through her family’s loss has a catch and release program of sorts taking a womanizer and turning them into solid boyfriend material. She’s also the coach’s daughter and she thinks she has the upper hand on Ace yet she couldn’t be more wrong…
”You want us to date? Then come all over my fucking hand, baby. Right now.”
Bryant and Ace were fantastic together and I just ate up the way in which they both blossomed as a couple. I had several favorite scenes one of which was Bryant getting rid of all the requests of Bryant and the bar and of course the kidnapping. These two are perfectly matched and their chemistry and fall into love was perfection!
This book can be read as a standalone but any fan of a good college football romance should meet Ace and Bryant.
”Maybe that’s all that is necessary. To be there for someone. To tell someone that their hurt is real. That they are valuable. That they matter. And maybe that’s a lesson I should take to heart. That living matters, even if it means a little pain now and again. I guess I’m my own last project.”
June 27, 2018
Re-read 6/26/18
*Amazon US*Amazon UK*
If you had asked me last week what I thought would come from this book I would have said that I was giving it a chance because I trust Jen Frederick but that it won't be my favorite from her and that I hate this Hero. But after reading it I'm left just staring in shock over how much I enjoyed this story and Ace. I mean he was the asshole of this series that I didn't even want to ever get his HEA. If you've read this series than you know why, and I will leave it at that.
Moving past my shock, let me just say WOW! Downed came out of nowhere and knocked me over with it's southern charm. Ace is new to Southern U and still hasn't earned the respect of his new teammates. Enter Bryant, the girl that has no enemies on campus and whom everyone seems to love. An she's infamous for her "projects" of turning assholes into gentleman. Her next assignment? Ace Anderson. But once she places herself in his life she realizes he doesn't need as much help as she thought, and her heart may be in danger for falling for the bad boy.
Bryant's character really shocked me, because I never saw someone like her with Ace. Not in a bad way, but she was just so different from him that it was kind of hard to imagine them together. And yet when I saw them with one another there wasn't a doubt in my mind that they belonged together. I loved that there was such a back and forth with them. In the course of this one book we saw Bryant being the pushy one, then being the scared one, and the mix was very captivating.
This book did not once lose my interest. I found that there was actually a lot to learn about Ace and he was a complex character. You may think you know who he is and write him off as just another asshole Hero, but he was so much more than that and I loved him. And then you have Bryant with all her quirks and her adorableness, which I loved. With both of them being so intriguing, there was no way I could end this book without liking it.
Bottom line, please read this book. I know there are many people that are going to be put off by the fact that Ace is the Hero but I am urging you to give him a chance. I didn't think I would like him either, and I'm definitely not one that thinks characters can be redeemed. But it happened! And I hope it will happen for you to.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
*Amazon US*Amazon UK*
If you had asked me last week what I thought would come from this book I would have said that I was giving it a chance because I trust Jen Frederick but that it won't be my favorite from her and that I hate this Hero. But after reading it I'm left just staring in shock over how much I enjoyed this story and Ace. I mean he was the asshole of this series that I didn't even want to ever get his HEA. If you've read this series than you know why, and I will leave it at that.
Moving past my shock, let me just say WOW! Downed came out of nowhere and knocked me over with it's southern charm. Ace is new to Southern U and still hasn't earned the respect of his new teammates. Enter Bryant, the girl that has no enemies on campus and whom everyone seems to love. An she's infamous for her "projects" of turning assholes into gentleman. Her next assignment? Ace Anderson. But once she places herself in his life she realizes he doesn't need as much help as she thought, and her heart may be in danger for falling for the bad boy.
Bryant's character really shocked me, because I never saw someone like her with Ace. Not in a bad way, but she was just so different from him that it was kind of hard to imagine them together. And yet when I saw them with one another there wasn't a doubt in my mind that they belonged together. I loved that there was such a back and forth with them. In the course of this one book we saw Bryant being the pushy one, then being the scared one, and the mix was very captivating.
This book did not once lose my interest. I found that there was actually a lot to learn about Ace and he was a complex character. You may think you know who he is and write him off as just another asshole Hero, but he was so much more than that and I loved him. And then you have Bryant with all her quirks and her adorableness, which I loved. With both of them being so intriguing, there was no way I could end this book without liking it.
Bottom line, please read this book. I know there are many people that are going to be put off by the fact that Ace is the Hero but I am urging you to give him a chance. I didn't think I would like him either, and I'm definitely not one that thinks characters can be redeemed. But it happened! And I hope it will happen for you to.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2016
LIVE !!! (And you want to read this <3 )
Amazon
4.5 Rhmmmm Stars
Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books
Confession: I haven't read the previous books in this series. Yet. I have been reading out of order a lot lately and I don't regret it. I might even have a little advantage now, knowing how awesome Ace will be.
When Bryant Johnson steamrolls his life, JR "Ace" Anderson doesn't know what hit him. This girl with the sunshine smile tells him she is his girlfriend. Only, Ace doesn't do girlfriends. His reputation being a major asshole doesn't seem to faze Bryant. And after something he thought to be a one-night-stand he can't say no to her for some reason. Her sanguine disposition makes it impossible to let his own rude and prickly self surface.
Bryant is on a mission and she doesn't take prisoners. She wants to reform the biggest douchebags into boyfriend material. She is convinced most men are redeemable so her new project has to be, without a doubt, the angry new quarterback of her daddy's football team, who was kicked out of his old team because he slept with the trainer's daughter. Woops. Trying not to quote Britney Spears here...
Bryant is a beautiful heroine with some quirks that will endear her to you fast. She is a typical Southern girl with impeccable manners and her way of taming the big bad boy is crazy but crazy good. She charms her unknowing victim into obedience. She wraps Ace around her finger and this usually short tempered guy turns into a lamb when he is with her.
Outside of the bedroom anyway. When these two get it on there is lots of steam and dirty talk and that makes for some good laughs too because Bryant being the well mannered girl "makes love" and doesn't "f*ck." You can take a wild guess how many times Ace slips.
Bryant isn't the bubbly girl she shows the world though. There is a part of her that is deeply sad that makes her keep men at a distance. With her help Ace gets over his issues and in return he heals her. When you leave these two you will see a gorgeous couple. Ace will still have his rough edges but he will also have unearthed his beautiful character traits. And he will have found camaraderie where he didn't expect it.
I also want to mention that the side cast was fabulous and I am looking forward to reading more about Ty in particular. He is full of mischief but also depth which I would like to see explored.
I am really looking forward to reading the books before Ace's story. I think it'll make it a bit easier to deal with his douchebaggery I've only heard about so far. I am also in love with the way this author writes. There is an ease to the flow of her prose that resonates with me. Overall this was a total winner with me.
Amazon
4.5 Rhmmmm Stars
Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books
Confession: I haven't read the previous books in this series. Yet. I have been reading out of order a lot lately and I don't regret it. I might even have a little advantage now, knowing how awesome Ace will be.
He likes to take control— on and off the field. He plays hard, loves hard. I should’ve been prepared for him, but I wasn’t.
When Bryant Johnson steamrolls his life, JR "Ace" Anderson doesn't know what hit him. This girl with the sunshine smile tells him she is his girlfriend. Only, Ace doesn't do girlfriends. His reputation being a major asshole doesn't seem to faze Bryant. And after something he thought to be a one-night-stand he can't say no to her for some reason. Her sanguine disposition makes it impossible to let his own rude and prickly self surface.
Her feminine scent wafts into my nostrils and I inhale deeply, wondering why in the hell I’m so drawn to this woman. She’s not my type. She’s soft and compassionate and far too patient.
Bryant is on a mission and she doesn't take prisoners. She wants to reform the biggest douchebags into boyfriend material. She is convinced most men are redeemable so her new project has to be, without a doubt, the angry new quarterback of her daddy's football team, who was kicked out of his old team because he slept with the trainer's daughter. Woops. Trying not to quote Britney Spears here...
Ace is a decent man. I know he is. He just needs a little more confidence in himself so he doesn’t have to find it in women.
Bryant is a beautiful heroine with some quirks that will endear her to you fast. She is a typical Southern girl with impeccable manners and her way of taming the big bad boy is crazy but crazy good. She charms her unknowing victim into obedience. She wraps Ace around her finger and this usually short tempered guy turns into a lamb when he is with her.
Except when I open my mouth to tell her she’s right and that I don’t need her, I find myself saying something else entirely. “I only gave you the one orgasm. There's more where that came from.”
Outside of the bedroom anyway. When these two get it on there is lots of steam and dirty talk and that makes for some good laughs too because Bryant being the well mannered girl "makes love" and doesn't "f*ck." You can take a wild guess how many times Ace slips.
Bryant isn't the bubbly girl she shows the world though. There is a part of her that is deeply sad that makes her keep men at a distance. With her help Ace gets over his issues and in return he heals her. When you leave these two you will see a gorgeous couple. Ace will still have his rough edges but he will also have unearthed his beautiful character traits. And he will have found camaraderie where he didn't expect it.
"Making you happy appears to make me happy.”
I also want to mention that the side cast was fabulous and I am looking forward to reading more about Ty in particular. He is full of mischief but also depth which I would like to see explored.
I am really looking forward to reading the books before Ace's story. I think it'll make it a bit easier to deal with his douchebaggery I've only heard about so far. I am also in love with the way this author writes. There is an ease to the flow of her prose that resonates with me. Overall this was a total winner with me.
“Ace, we're in public.”
I tip my head back against the tall wrought iron fence. “I know.”
“You need to relax,” she scolds.
“I can't. All the blood in my body is currently under your ass at this point. It's a fucking miracle I can even form a sentence.”
December 1, 2016
5 AMAZING STARS
This is by far my favorite book in this series!!!I wasn't sure of what to expect, but what I found it was more than perfect!!
"The perfect season is icing on the cake, but you're the cake, which is the tastiest part."
The characters were the best part of the story! I loved their connection. Ace and Bryant were super cute, funny, adorable and hot!! Everything about their relationship felt realistic.
"You're a good person,Bryant.And you make me want to be a good person,too."
Bryant was funny and adorable and she was exactly what Ace needed! Ace was possesive, sweet and so hot I loved his dirty mouth.
"Every time he kissed me,I melt like warm butter in the sun."
Jen Frederick delivers a funny, adorable, steamy story with the perfect amount of emotional moments to make you melt and swoon !!
This is by far my favorite book in this series!!!I wasn't sure of what to expect, but what I found it was more than perfect!!
"The perfect season is icing on the cake, but you're the cake, which is the tastiest part."
The characters were the best part of the story! I loved their connection. Ace and Bryant were super cute, funny, adorable and hot!! Everything about their relationship felt realistic.
"You're a good person,Bryant.And you make me want to be a good person,too."
Bryant was funny and adorable and she was exactly what Ace needed! Ace was possesive, sweet and so hot I loved his dirty mouth.
"Every time he kissed me,I melt like warm butter in the sun."
Jen Frederick delivers a funny, adorable, steamy story with the perfect amount of emotional moments to make you melt and swoon !!
November 23, 2016
Title: Downed
Series: Gridiron #3
Author: Jen Frederick
Release date: December 1, 2016
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
Well, well, well. Jen Frederick has made a believer out of me. If ever there was a character who was ripe for readers to hate, it was JR "Ace" Anderson. Lucy's childhood best friend is an all-around asshole and traitorous douche. He was a major user of women, and he stabbed Lucy in the back. Not to mention, he's not the most pleasant person. In fact, he's downright cold and selfish. At least, that was the consensus in the past. Could he be redeemed? The answer: absolutely, and with flying colors.
This is most definitely an opposites attract NA romance. These two are the epitome of wrong for each other in every way. She's bubbly, outgoing, and popular. He's a social pariah, angry, and rude. But when you think about what drives their personalities they have more in common than you would originally think. He has major "daddy issues", on one hand despising him and the other hand struggling not to follow in his parent's footsteps.
As much as she seems to have it all together, Bryant is also influenced by a family member. Her fear of getting hurt and taking her sister's tragic path pushes her to hold men at a distance and not allow them access to her heart. And she puts on a veneer of happiness and zen when in actuality she is still locked in memories of the past. Memories of what caused her sister's destruction.
I’ve laughed when I haven’t felt like laughing. My parents need to know I’m okay at all times, otherwise their fears and worries might devour them and send them back to the dark place we were all in three years ago.
It's her decision to make Ace her newest project that starts them on a crazy, whirlwind relationship that will have you wide-eyed at her audacity on more than on occasion. Their first brunch?? The poor boy didn't know what hit him. He was confused, frazzled, and had no idea how to take this southern hurricane with the impeccable manners.
For the greater good of womankind, Bryant makes it her mission to take on a guy she deems struggling and turn him into the perfect boyfriend material. Not for herself of course, but for others willing to reap the spoils of her hard work. I'm not going to lie, I had a fear in the beginning that after Ace started falling for her, her fake relationship goals would blow up in her face later. Thankfully, there was no drama connected to that. Actually, it resolved from a much different angle than I had anticipated. And I mean that in the best way.
In the beginning of the book, Bryant plainly holds the power. She's steering Ace where her vision for him will reach its end goal. But after a few highly provocative and passionate encounters with him, she's left shaken and unsteady. He grows in confidence as hers slips away, and this power struggle was absolutely necessary in my opinion. He helps her look inside herself, to see all the fears she was trying to suppress and makes her face them. In the end, they both grew and matured. Became more confident, strong individuals who fit each other more flawlessly than I ever would have imagined.
Once upon a time, I probably would’ve been a man who’d hurt her, but not anymore. Now I’m the one who’s going to love her.
I'll be the first person to admit that I had serious doubts as to whether or not I could ever like this hero, let alone love him. He didn't magically get a personality transplant overnight that's for sure. Or at all, and that's what I really appreciated. His transformation was gradual and very naturalistic. And even when he became a better man, he still retained some of his rough tendencies. But he was also caring, strong, determined, and protective towards her. If you have your doubts, cast them aside and give this a shot. I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised.
I had no idea I'd fall in love here at Southern. I hadn't come looking for it, that's for damn sure. But I don't regret it. All of the acts of my past—both good and bad—led me to her.
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December 5, 2016
When love is more powerful than fear.
What I learned (but pretty sure I knew already) from Downed is that one man does not make a team. My Gridiron marathon has been lots of fun and a wee bit of a learning experience. In Downed it was all about coming together as a team, supporting your teammates and knowing if the coach doesn’t have the team’s respect, they won’t succeed. In the first two books Sacked and Jockblocked the same coach ruled the roost. In Sacked, he was tolerable, but in Jockblocked he lost my respect and I hated him in the end. I also learned a wee bit about Southern hospitality, sarcasm with a smile and putting on a face, means everything. To be honest, it was a little unreal.
So, I started Downed a little weary. I was not a fan of Ace and the way he acted towards his best friend and teammates in Jockblocked. He was going to have to change his attitude quite a bit for me to turn my feelings around. As the story went on, I learned more about Ace and what made him tick. He doesn’t change completely but by the end, Ace realises that his previous actions and attitude were disrespectful and hurtful.
Ace has left the Warriors to become a Renegade. He managed to stay in his favoured position of Quarterback and looks like the coach is a man he can respect. The settling in with his new team has not been easy. These guys (his teammates) are keeping him on the outer. He acts like he doesn’t care, but deep down Ace feels the rejection. Luckily, when they’re on the field they do follow his lead so he can’t complain too much. One day a curvy little beauty decides he needs a little help…fixing up…adjustment. See, Ace is a wee bit of an a$$hole who curses and says inappropriate things…the perfect new project for Bryant.
Bryant is a true Southern Belle. She’s been brought up to be polite and to face any problem with a smile. Bryant’s father is the coach of the Renegade’s. For awhile now she has helped out with the team as the sweet talker. Bryant uses her skills to make the boosters (not sure what they are, but I get the impression they’re schmoozy like salesmen) and the sponsors comfortable. Most of them show her the respect she deserves but if they don’t she has plenty of friends on the football team to help her out.
Coach Johnson and his family have had heartbreak when Ginny, Bryant’s sister passed. Coach, was able to get back on the horse so to speak, but Bryant’s mother is still grieving. Bryant, in her own way, is trying to move on. She visits Ginny’s gravesite for chats and has taken on “projects” to teach men to respect women. It’s Bryant’s way of dealing with Ginny’s death. The new Quarterback is her pet project but there is one small problem…she’s starting to have feelings for him.
Bryant and Ace are a bit of an odd couple. Neither of them starts off wanting a relationship. Ace wants to concentrate on his football and doesn’t think he’s capable of a relationship. Bryant is willing to “date” these guys but isn’t willing to let her heart get involved. As the story develops they get closer and realise that they are good together and balance each other out.
I’ll be honest, the Southern Charm in this book made me a little uncomfortable. I’m not used to people saying one thing and meaning another. I struggled with people who smile to your face as they lecture you for your heathen ways. The strict rules that needed to be adhered to for appearance sake while anything goes in the background seemed wrong. It all seemed a touch fake.
I think, in some ways, this was what made Ace perfect for Bryant and Bryant perfect for Ace. Her southern charm and his what you see is what you get, managed to keep them both on an even keel. Bryant is the "hostess with the mostess" and Ace makes sure she's not taken advantage of.
Ace really grew on me. His maturity, while slow to appear, was very evident and completely believable. It wasn’t like he had an epiphany and automatically knew how to act like a gentleman and be the perfect boyfriend. To be honest, he still has a bit of work ahead of him if he wants to become a gentleman. A few rough edges are not something to be worried about and if anything, make him more appealing. Ace also manages to become a leader on and off the field which shows his maturity. I loved that we get to see Ace apologise to Lucy and her forgive him. Though, I'm not sure Matty and Ace will ever be buddies.
Bryant also manages to grow a little as well. I would have liked to see her say NO a few more times in the future and not be taken advantage of by her “sisters”(sorority). I'm hoping her projects have finished too.
I really enjoyed Downed and this Gridiron marathon session. I’ve learnt a little about the game and I’ve learned a lot about being a team. All of the characters have been interesting and the college life explained in a way that was easy to picture.
I’ll have to call it and say that Sacked is still my favourite but only by a little. I can’t wait for more in the Gridiron series and hopefully, I’ll understand the game even more.
To buy Downed from Amazon - http://amzn.to/2gX0qVR
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
July 30, 2017
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: I liked this one, but I did feel like there were some things missing. First, the ending was not enough closure for me. I really wanted a glimpse into their future as a successful couple, and to also know what happens for both of their career paths! I wanted some more time with them actually developing feelings. While I appreciated the sexy times and the funny moments, I just wanted more! I also wanted to know what ended up happening with the H's dad and his involvement in some of the drama that went on. Some things were just so left up in the air with the ending, that I was left feeling unsatisfied. I would still recommend this book for those that like college athlete romances, but just go in knowing it doesn't get deep and meaningful and you might not get the ending you're expecting.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This Bryant is Ace's and story. Ace has been transferred to another school to be the starting quarterback, and he meets Bryant one night at a bar and they end up going home together. The next day he is horrified to learn that she is his new coach's daughter, and he finds himself in a situation where he seems to now be in a relationship with her. Bryant is known for turning bad boys into the best boyfriends, so Ace is a perfect candidate to be her next project. After spending more and more time together, stronger feelings for both of them start to develop and they fall in love. There is some family and team drama, some sexy times, and some laugh out loud moments...and they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Bryant and Ace's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well. The ending did seem a abrupt to me though.
Instalove: No, they took a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 4 stars. Ace. I liked him. I thought it was fun to see the h (and everyone else) railroad him into being in a relationship. I also like a broody H that is protective of the H and he was that!
h rating: 4 stars. Bryant. I loved her until she pushes away the H, but I didn't get so upset with her that I didn't like her anymore. She was a fun character that would kill everyone with her kindness. She was damaged by her past, but had a weird way of coping and not letting the world see it.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues required.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some good chemistry and scenes, but not so much that it took away from the storyline.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes.
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes, a very short one.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This was another book that I just didn't get enough closure with! Again we get a book resolving the big conflict right before the ending, and I wanted more! I would call it a HFN ending.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: Id call this one Safe for most readers.
Overall Opinion: I liked this one, but I did feel like there were some things missing. First, the ending was not enough closure for me. I really wanted a glimpse into their future as a successful couple, and to also know what happens for both of their career paths! I wanted some more time with them actually developing feelings. While I appreciated the sexy times and the funny moments, I just wanted more! I also wanted to know what ended up happening with the H's dad and his involvement in some of the drama that went on. Some things were just so left up in the air with the ending, that I was left feeling unsatisfied. I would still recommend this book for those that like college athlete romances, but just go in knowing it doesn't get deep and meaningful and you might not get the ending you're expecting.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This Bryant is Ace's and story. Ace has been transferred to another school to be the starting quarterback, and he meets Bryant one night at a bar and they end up going home together. The next day he is horrified to learn that she is his new coach's daughter, and he finds himself in a situation where he seems to now be in a relationship with her. Bryant is known for turning bad boys into the best boyfriends, so Ace is a perfect candidate to be her next project. After spending more and more time together, stronger feelings for both of them start to develop and they fall in love. There is some family and team drama, some sexy times, and some laugh out loud moments...and they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Bryant and Ace's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well. The ending did seem a abrupt to me though.
Instalove: No, they took a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 4 stars. Ace. I liked him. I thought it was fun to see the h (and everyone else) railroad him into being in a relationship. I also like a broody H that is protective of the H and he was that!
h rating: 4 stars. Bryant. I loved her until she pushes away the H, but I didn't get so upset with her that I didn't like her anymore. She was a fun character that would kill everyone with her kindness. She was damaged by her past, but had a weird way of coping and not letting the world see it.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues required.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some good chemistry and scenes, but not so much that it took away from the storyline.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes.
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes, a very short one.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This was another book that I just didn't get enough closure with! Again we get a book resolving the big conflict right before the ending, and I wanted more! I would call it a HFN ending.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: Id call this one Safe for most readers.
December 5, 2016
4,5 stars! If you like new adult genre and college sports romance it is a must read for you. I liked it very much from the beginning to the end. This is the third book in a series which can be read safely as standalone.
About the plot: Despite the superb results JR "Ace" Anderson was transferred to the new team in his senior year. He wants a fresh start and avoid falling into old habits. Unfortunately, reputation precedes him and a new team approaches him with great reserve. One night on the campus bar he met Bryant Johnson, a girl who doesn't take no for an answer and who is treated by all his teammates like she's a goddess to be worshipped.
Bryant Johnson is a sweet, good manners girl and the football coach's daughter. She likes to help others and has her own project that was born in her head after the loss of an important person in her life. When she sees their new quarterback, she is determined to take Ace under her wing. But she could never expect this outcome.
My thoughts: To say that it starts unconventional is an understatement. The quarterback, handsome jerk and southern sweet heroine. They make an astonishing couple. Although they don't begin as love couple, the chemistry between them is undeniable. You can count on a few scorchingly hot scenes. But the story also didn't disappoint in terms of humor. Funny dialogues and scenes will give you smile from ear to ear.
Great and well-developed characters are the basis of this book. Especially Ace strongly grow up and be your next great book-boyfriend. It's also hard not to like Bryant. Southern humorous and manners are impossible to forge. It was a playful ride!
This is a sports romance and there is a fair amount of it. What it's a good thing for me. One of the best was exactly the talk in the locker room. A cool group of people created funny and highly entertaining scenes. I enjoyed it a lot and gladly would read stories all of those boys.
This is one of those books that has all what's best form the new adult genre. Attracting opposites, low of angst, funny dialogues, sexy scenes, complex characters. I missed only the epilogue and in the middle could be faster action. But be sure that it'll draw you for long hours from the first page. Especially if you like football and romance in one.
***
ARC kindly provided for an honest review. Thank you!
About the plot: Despite the superb results JR "Ace" Anderson was transferred to the new team in his senior year. He wants a fresh start and avoid falling into old habits. Unfortunately, reputation precedes him and a new team approaches him with great reserve. One night on the campus bar he met Bryant Johnson, a girl who doesn't take no for an answer and who is treated by all his teammates like she's a goddess to be worshipped.
Bryant Johnson is a sweet, good manners girl and the football coach's daughter. She likes to help others and has her own project that was born in her head after the loss of an important person in her life. When she sees their new quarterback, she is determined to take Ace under her wing. But she could never expect this outcome.
“I think this project might be getting complicated. I think I like Ace Anderson more than I should.”
My thoughts: To say that it starts unconventional is an understatement. The quarterback, handsome jerk and southern sweet heroine. They make an astonishing couple. Although they don't begin as love couple, the chemistry between them is undeniable. You can count on a few scorchingly hot scenes. But the story also didn't disappoint in terms of humor. Funny dialogues and scenes will give you smile from ear to ear.
Great and well-developed characters are the basis of this book. Especially Ace strongly grow up and be your next great book-boyfriend. It's also hard not to like Bryant. Southern humorous and manners are impossible to forge. It was a playful ride!
“I’m still an asshole, but I like to think that these days I’m a lovable one. Or, that at least one person in particular loves my asshole self.”
This is a sports romance and there is a fair amount of it. What it's a good thing for me. One of the best was exactly the talk in the locker room. A cool group of people created funny and highly entertaining scenes. I enjoyed it a lot and gladly would read stories all of those boys.
This is one of those books that has all what's best form the new adult genre. Attracting opposites, low of angst, funny dialogues, sexy scenes, complex characters. I missed only the epilogue and in the middle could be faster action. But be sure that it'll draw you for long hours from the first page. Especially if you like football and romance in one.
***
ARC kindly provided for an honest review. Thank you!
Want to read
December 10, 2016
THIS SOUNDS RIGHT
Stand-alone book 3.
Purchase: | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
He’s the guy no one likes…
Despite winning two national championships, JR “Ace” Anderson was sent packing from his old school after losing the trust of his coach. At Southern U, he has a second chance to prove that his college legacy isn’t endless debauchery and selfishness. But his reputation precedes him, and his teammates offer a chilly welcome in the locker room. The one person who is willing to accept him is the very woman he should stay away from—his new coach’s daughter.
She’s the girl everyone loves…
Bryant Johnson’s only goal in life is to make others happy, even at her own expense. One look at her father’s new star quarterback, and she knows that Ace is her next project. With a reputation for being a “jerk whisperer”, Bryant has spent her last three years at college reforming sorry behavior and turning bad boys into the best boyfriends ever. In Ace, though, she’s met with surly resistance and a sizzling attraction she doesn’t expect. Fixing this wounded warrior will be her biggest challenge yet. Not falling for him will be even harder.
December 7, 2016
I am a huge fan of this series, but this one was legit my favorite. There was just something about Ace and Bryant that had me falling in love with their story.
Bryant is the daughter of the football coach and a fixer. That may sound odd, but after her sister committed suicide as a result of the way her ex-boyfriend treated her, she now finds men and fixes them. This girl has this amazing spirit and spark, she has this addictive personality and everyone loves her. I loved her. She is so selfless and makes everyone feel like rockstars and important.
Ace, he is the new quarterback and if you read the other books you know he left his old college under bad circumstances. Bryant knows his reputation and decides she is going to help him, but Ace doesn’t want her help and is completely taken back by the way she inserts herself into his life. Regardless of what Ace wanted when he sees how much his teammates love Bryant he sees her in a different way and gives them a chance. This allows him the chance and fall for the wonderful Bryant.
I love sports romance, but this one I just really connected with Bryant and Ace. I loved how he took charge and helped Bryant too. I love how Bryant was selfless in her love for Ace. These two were legit perfect and their story brought a huge smile to my face. Definitely my fav in the series!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Bryant is the daughter of the football coach and a fixer. That may sound odd, but after her sister committed suicide as a result of the way her ex-boyfriend treated her, she now finds men and fixes them. This girl has this amazing spirit and spark, she has this addictive personality and everyone loves her. I loved her. She is so selfless and makes everyone feel like rockstars and important.
Ace, he is the new quarterback and if you read the other books you know he left his old college under bad circumstances. Bryant knows his reputation and decides she is going to help him, but Ace doesn’t want her help and is completely taken back by the way she inserts herself into his life. Regardless of what Ace wanted when he sees how much his teammates love Bryant he sees her in a different way and gives them a chance. This allows him the chance and fall for the wonderful Bryant.
I love sports romance, but this one I just really connected with Bryant and Ace. I loved how he took charge and helped Bryant too. I love how Bryant was selfless in her love for Ace. These two were legit perfect and their story brought a huge smile to my face. Definitely my fav in the series!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2016
★★★★ 4.5 Stars ★★★★
Ace Anderson is the new senior quarterback at Southern U. After being kicked out from his previous team at for hooking up with the coaches daughter, he is blessed with a second chance thanks to his new mentor, Coach Johnson.
Known for being a manwhore, douchebag, user of women, and overall bastard, he is finding it hard to fit in with his new team, and loneliness is starting to creep in.
In steps sickly sweet, all-round Southern Belle, Bryant Johnson. Since the death of her sister, she has made it her mission to 'fix' men like Ace, by teaching them the proper way to treat a lady. In order to do this, she dates them and shows them they ways that she believes to be good and right.
After a one night stand, Ace is horrified to discover that this gorgeous girl he spent the night with is claiming to be his new girlfriend, but not only that, she is the daughter of none other than Coach Johnson!
I am such a fan of bad boys who come good, so this book for me was pure pleasure. I loved how Ace found himself stuck with a clinger, but couldn't seem to stay away from her. He tried to tell her that he didn't do relationships, but she was having none of it and for the first time in his life, someone was really looking out for his best interests, so it was hard for him to resist.
Bryant's plan was to do her job and get out, she wasn't looking for a long term boyfriend, but unfortunately (or fortunately) for her, Ace turned out to be completely unexpected.
Bryant was a grower, she was completely different to most heroines I have read, since she is the stereotypical version of a southern lady. She was too good to be true, and I still can't believe people like her exist, but I ended up being a massive fan. She was too nice not to love, and she worked her magic power on both myself and Ace.
A big winner, and a huge thumbs up from me.
Downed is a New Adult romance. It is book 3 in the Gridiron series, but can be read as a standalone. Told from dual POV
ARC gratefully received
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
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Ace Anderson is the new senior quarterback at Southern U. After being kicked out from his previous team at for hooking up with the coaches daughter, he is blessed with a second chance thanks to his new mentor, Coach Johnson.
Known for being a manwhore, douchebag, user of women, and overall bastard, he is finding it hard to fit in with his new team, and loneliness is starting to creep in.
"I’m Ace fucking Anderson and I can behave any goddamn way I want. I like who I am."
In steps sickly sweet, all-round Southern Belle, Bryant Johnson. Since the death of her sister, she has made it her mission to 'fix' men like Ace, by teaching them the proper way to treat a lady. In order to do this, she dates them and shows them they ways that she believes to be good and right.
After a one night stand, Ace is horrified to discover that this gorgeous girl he spent the night with is claiming to be his new girlfriend, but not only that, she is the daughter of none other than Coach Johnson!
I am such a fan of bad boys who come good, so this book for me was pure pleasure. I loved how Ace found himself stuck with a clinger, but couldn't seem to stay away from her. He tried to tell her that he didn't do relationships, but she was having none of it and for the first time in his life, someone was really looking out for his best interests, so it was hard for him to resist.
Bryant's plan was to do her job and get out, she wasn't looking for a long term boyfriend, but unfortunately (or fortunately) for her, Ace turned out to be completely unexpected.
"I can’t even tell if he’s serious or joking, but whatever he's doing, he needs to stop.
This protectiveness is making me feel crazy-good inside."
Bryant was a grower, she was completely different to most heroines I have read, since she is the stereotypical version of a southern lady. She was too good to be true, and I still can't believe people like her exist, but I ended up being a massive fan. She was too nice not to love, and she worked her magic power on both myself and Ace.
A big winner, and a huge thumbs up from me.
Downed is a New Adult romance. It is book 3 in the Gridiron series, but can be read as a standalone. Told from dual POV
ARC gratefully received
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
December 4, 2016
Well, that was an unexpectedly fun read! I've read the first book in this series and I didn't like it as much as I did this one. Although, the second part of this story was slightly annoying at times, especially because Bryant couldn't get her head out of her a**. Also I wished the epilogue would be set more into the future but since there are more books coming (I suppose), that's the reason the story didn't make a time jump a few years ahead. I think this won't be the last time we see this couple. Just a feeling. Other than that, I really likes the first half of the book. It's at times witty but also so much fun, seeing how she slowly cracks Ace's defences. They both have this chemistry that makes you want to read more and more of how their journey will continue and unfold.
I admit that I don't know much about the beta and what not houses but you Americans sure take your surority sisterhood seriously. That one is a bit tough to wrap my head around, since in Europe we don't have that bond on such a high lever. Definitely interesting. But the one thing that made Bryant look really weak is exactly that. She simply couldn't say no to all the chores and things the sisters told her to do. I mean, seriously! In the end it was Ace who took care of that and told the leeches to bug off. At the beginning I really saw Bryant as someone strong and fierce but at the end, I don't know. She just lost her mojo.
Ace on the other hand, man I loved him! He comes of as this a**hole that is also a mayor man-ho but with time he trully turns into this great guy you simply have to love. I guess it's true, don't judge the book by it's cover (although I do that all the time, I love great covers, what can I say :/ ). ANear the end, he truly becomes so understanding and fights with all he has for what or rather whom he wants. And it sure doesn't matter what the other party has to say to that, ha, loved that! He's my faourite character by far!
As a whole, this story is a fun read but as said the second half of the story was a bit of a let down. Will I re-read it? Nope. But should you still read it? Definitely. You never know, maybe you'll love the crap out of this story. :)
I admit that I don't know much about the beta and what not houses but you Americans sure take your surority sisterhood seriously. That one is a bit tough to wrap my head around, since in Europe we don't have that bond on such a high lever. Definitely interesting. But the one thing that made Bryant look really weak is exactly that. She simply couldn't say no to all the chores and things the sisters told her to do. I mean, seriously! In the end it was Ace who took care of that and told the leeches to bug off. At the beginning I really saw Bryant as someone strong and fierce but at the end, I don't know. She just lost her mojo.
Ace on the other hand, man I loved him! He comes of as this a**hole that is also a mayor man-ho but with time he trully turns into this great guy you simply have to love. I guess it's true, don't judge the book by it's cover (although I do that all the time, I love great covers, what can I say :/ ). ANear the end, he truly becomes so understanding and fights with all he has for what or rather whom he wants. And it sure doesn't matter what the other party has to say to that, ha, loved that! He's my faourite character by far!
As a whole, this story is a fun read but as said the second half of the story was a bit of a let down. Will I re-read it? Nope. But should you still read it? Definitely. You never know, maybe you'll love the crap out of this story. :)
December 1, 2016
If Jen Frederick goes missing it's because we've trapped her in our basement and forced her to write nonstop. We can always count on her books to deliver an incredible story and scorching heat. In the Gridiron series, Downed is taking the MVP trophy. Ace and Bryant just earned the top spot on our steamy don't-you-dare-miss it shelf. All the stars to JFred. All of them!
November 27, 2016
4.5 Stars
BEST OF THE SERIES YET. Oh my gosh this was my fav, Ace, ace, ace. How I hated him after Jockblocked yet Jen Frederick wooed me with her magic and here I am in love with the Arsehole... Pure sports romance Gold is what this book is!!
So what's it about?
Ace is starting new in a new college team, new life, new start! A fresh slate, he ultimately just wants to put his head down and win a championship within his new team as the QB! Well that is until Bryant makes him his new project and in project I mean make him into the loving and caring man he is. Just show his true potential until he's at a point he can be the perfect boyfriend for someone else. See where that's going? So I'll leave the rest for you to enjoy yourself but I will explain why I loved this so much...
Bryant
OMG what a quirky sexy and lovable heroine. She was soooo funny and enjoyable to read. But she's very selfless and wants to please everyone else but herself. There is a vulnerability about her yet she's built a wall up that Ace is enjoying pulling down. I think though what I loved about her was her free giving nature, her easy exterior and that she was a family girl that loved BIG.
Ace
Ace, the guy you will of detested back in Jockblocked is still an ASS yet that's just his personally, he just wants to be accepted by his team and be included in his unit. He's arrogant, mouthy, DIRTY MOUTHED which I LOVEDDDDD reading. But he is also caring to Bryant, he loves the people that are important and has no room for anyone else.. but hey who cares about that right?? I loved loved loved him..
So all in all this was just a great page turner, character built story and a fun laughable read too...
Kisses, Enjoy Xo
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and blog posts
BEST OF THE SERIES YET. Oh my gosh this was my fav, Ace, ace, ace. How I hated him after Jockblocked yet Jen Frederick wooed me with her magic and here I am in love with the Arsehole... Pure sports romance Gold is what this book is!!
So what's it about?
Ace is starting new in a new college team, new life, new start! A fresh slate, he ultimately just wants to put his head down and win a championship within his new team as the QB! Well that is until Bryant makes him his new project and in project I mean make him into the loving and caring man he is. Just show his true potential until he's at a point he can be the perfect boyfriend for someone else. See where that's going? So I'll leave the rest for you to enjoy yourself but I will explain why I loved this so much...
Bryant
OMG what a quirky sexy and lovable heroine. She was soooo funny and enjoyable to read. But she's very selfless and wants to please everyone else but herself. There is a vulnerability about her yet she's built a wall up that Ace is enjoying pulling down. I think though what I loved about her was her free giving nature, her easy exterior and that she was a family girl that loved BIG.
Ace
Ace, the guy you will of detested back in Jockblocked is still an ASS yet that's just his personally, he just wants to be accepted by his team and be included in his unit. He's arrogant, mouthy, DIRTY MOUTHED which I LOVEDDDDD reading. But he is also caring to Bryant, he loves the people that are important and has no room for anyone else.. but hey who cares about that right?? I loved loved loved him..
So all in all this was just a great page turner, character built story and a fun laughable read too...
Kisses, Enjoy Xo
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and blog posts
December 2, 2016
What a year it’s been for Jen Frederick. Not only does she make up one half of the dynamic duo, Erin Watt, (who dazzled us with their addictive Royals series) she finishes the year with her Herculean solo offering, Downed.
The third novel in the Gridiron series features a player whose antics off the field come close to overshadowing his on field successes. New to Southern U, JR “Ace” Andersons reputation of being asshole precedes him. Recruited for his experience, the two time winning national championship player quickly finds that his team mates less than impressed at his addition to the team. With the players giving him a wide berth, Bryant Johnson makes it her mission to overhaul JR’s attitude and bring harmony to her beloved team.
Bryant is the epitome of a Southern Belle. She’s gracious, well mannered, helpful and… kinda nuts! And I have to say I almost immediately fell in love with her. Off to a unconventional but highly entertaining start, (much to his chagrin) JR knows the coach’s daughter is someone he needs to stay well away from. Unbeknownst to him, Bryant has her own reputation as the “jerk whisperer”, and with her sights set, she won’t stop until he is fully reformed.
I found myself a member of Team JR from the outset. Although he’d done some pretty awful things, it was clear to see that he felt remorse and redemption was something he daren’t hope for. With the rough comes the smooth and he was sweet in ways I wouldn’t have though imaginable. I’m also a sucker for a cocky, confident dirty-talker with the goods to back it up, and that he certainly did that. The life lessons were not all one way though, her experiences with JR force Bryant to question her motives and confront feelings she has long buried.
Downed was a sweet, sexy read with lots of personality, and a perfect choice for lovers of sports romance.
December 1, 2016
Bryant has been trying to right the wrongs done to her sister.
She's trying to 'reform' bad guys into the perfect boyfriends.
And after delivering now-good guys to her sorority sisters for three years now, she's finally met her match.
Ace has been kicked off his last team for sexing up the coach's daughter and now he's here and the first girl he lands in bed with is....Miss Coach junior!
But nobody seems to have a problem with that fact.
They all know what Bryant is trying to do.
But Ace is so not ready for a relationship - be it a real love one or just as Bryant's new project.
BUT, he also can't resist this pretty and sweet southern girl who loves football as much as he does.
And Bryant is slightly, completely confused by her weird feelings for this bad boy - who is not really as bad as the rumors led her to believe....
Will Bryant finally stop trying to help everyone else and find her forever-ever-after-happy-end with Ace??
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT ☺
═════════════════════════════════
Finally the 3rd book in this amazing series!
The only sad thing about it is, that we left all our darlings at the old school...
But we have some great people here too.
Ace really wants to be different this time. He desperately needs this new start.
New school. New Ace.
But of course he couldn't imagine the force with which Bryant storms into his life and takes over everything. He can't stop thinking about her. And that's not really a good thing for a professional sports guy who has to concentrate on football. And then there's his dad stirring up trouble.
Lots of things on poor Ace's mind.
But maybe this beautiful girl is not as bad for him as he first thought....
I really loved the story.
I love a story where the hero and heroine start the book in bed with each other!☺☺
No dancing around each other for over half the book until something happens. No stupid misunderstandings and whatnots....
It was a very sexy and moving and adorable and sad story.
I felt so bad for Ace. He wanted to find new friends in this new team, but nodody really tried to befriend him. Ugh...the poor guy. He doesn't even know why they act like that. I just wanted to hit them all over the head with their football helmets!
Great football romance!
Funny, adorable, moving and very sexy!!!!!
Lots of stare-at-sexy-naked-Ace moments ☺
DOWNED was a very adorable and sexy but also serious and moving football romance! Run to your nearest amazon to find out how Bryant will get her Happily-Ever-After with Ace!
♡
♡
♡
♡
November 20, 2016
4 "the project" stars
Downed is the third book in the sport romance series Gridiron by Jen Frederick and it features the story of JR „Ace“ Anderson, a transfer from Western Union to Southern U in the position of a quarterack since he was dismissed from his latest team cause of the „inapropriate intercourse“ with Coach's daughter. He's aloof and stand-off-ish and not really connecting with his new team, and he really isn't interested in repeating his past mistakes. But one girl catches his eyes and the chemistry is almost painfully palpable. The one night was meant to be just that, but it turned out to be even more risky when Ace finds out that the chirpy girl is Bryant Johnson, his Coach's daughter.
Will the history repeats itself?
Ace sure won't risk it again,
“I told you, i don't date during the season. I don't have time for a girlfriend, and even if I did, i don't want to get serious with anyone. I'm not boyfriend material, okay?“
BUT Bryant is an unusual girl above all. She's the Southern belle, the most polite, well mannered creature on earth, with the biggest welcoming heart. She's almost perfect as she can be, she's lovable, precious, kind and she has her „projects“ to fulfill – turning the „bad boys“ into the lovable „good guys“ and desirable boyfriend material.
You kiss the frogs so we don't have to.
That's all Ace is to me – a project.
An asshole to be made into a gentelman who wouldn't drive precious girls to take their own lives out of grief.
Once she feels her mission is complete, she's over and done, never actually giving her wholeheart to them. They are merely projects, it's a way she pays her due in honoring her sister, who died after her heart was broken by an unworthy guy, it's a way for Bryant to „save“ all the girls like her sister from the same destiny...and her next project is none other than, Ace.
I get the feeling I'm just a project for her, a guy she wants to..fix,
or some shit? I don't need fixing.
“I'm not trying to change you. I promise. All I want is to help you become the best version of yourself.“
But what they'd both learn in this little mascarade, that you can't order your heart NOT to feel, if that's what's meant for it to feel. They will both learn the way to cope with their own issues from the past, they will mend each other while they figure out the only true way to have it all is to let go.
I guess I'm my own last project.
The person needing fixing up wasn't Ace – it's me.
Football is a game, but Bryant is my future.
And I'll keep fighting for her as long as it takes.
I have to say that this was somewhat unusual storyline and from that point I found it interesting BUT I had difficult time in dealing with the tempo of the said storyline. It was on the slower side and I had the feeling that it dragged where it shouldn't have. The characters were likable, i actually loved the detailed portrayal of the „Southern“ way of conduct of Bryant's characters, she reminded me of the lady roles I have seen in the TV series such as „North and South“ and the movie „Gone with the wind“, she was quite authentic, interesting and refereshing and she made a fantastic opposite front to the „northern“ bad boy Ace...
This is another story wrapped up in a football surroundings that brings out the real issues in dealing with growth, self-discovery, acceptance and acknowedgment of the inner person you truly are and the better person you thrive to be, or at least make peace with the fact that when you love somebody you love every little bit of their personality no matter the imperfections and flaws. In that person's eyes the loving person is perfectly imperfect and we are merely talking semantics...*wink*
Or to use Ace's words...
I'm still an asshole, but I like to think that these days I'm a lovable one. Or, at least one person in particular loves my asshole self.
For more info and reviews visit
December 3, 2016
4.5 stars!
At the end of Jockblocked, I hated J.R. "Ace Anderson" for what he did to Matty and Lucy. Despite that, I was still interested in reading his story. I was curios as to how Jen Frederick is going to redeem his character. At the end of Jockblocked, we learned that Ace is out of Western and transferring to Southern U. It's a chance for Ace to start over and prove his naysayers wrong or prove them right.
Bryant Johnson is Southern U's best kept. Liked by everybody, she's the Renegades' unofficial PR person/muse/sister/mother...you get the picture. She's also known as the jerk whisperer, and her next project is none other than the Renegades new quarterback, Ace Anderson.
I wasn't quite sure at first about Bryant. She seems too good to be true. But then I realize she's as every bit as stubborn as Ace, if not more, and is not above manipulating the situation to get what she wants. I found the combination fascinating. Don't get me wrong. Bryant is genuinely nice but beneath all that Southern bred charming is shrewd, shrewd mind. Ace has no idea what hit him.
I loved the chemistry between Ace and Bryant. Ace can be grumpy and taciturn but Bryant's sweetness just tempers that. I loved that while Ace was very attracted to Bryant and was falling in love with her, he wasn't blind to her faults either. They simply work as a couple.
Apart from Ace and Bryant, the one person I was looking forward to meeting in this book was Ty Masters. Remember him? He's Knox' twin brother, and man, I can't wait for his book. I hope Jen Frederick writes a story about him because I love a man who is cynical or doesn't believe in love falls for someone unexpected.
Also, the football aspect of the story was wonderful to read. It shows how much Ms. Frederick loves and respects the sport, which bleeds into her writing and make it fun for readers like me to read.
Despite my initial hesitance, Downed ended up being my favorite in the series. Truly worth the read.
ARC provided for review purposes
At the end of Jockblocked, I hated J.R. "Ace Anderson" for what he did to Matty and Lucy. Despite that, I was still interested in reading his story. I was curios as to how Jen Frederick is going to redeem his character. At the end of Jockblocked, we learned that Ace is out of Western and transferring to Southern U. It's a chance for Ace to start over and prove his naysayers wrong or prove them right.
Bryant Johnson is Southern U's best kept. Liked by everybody, she's the Renegades' unofficial PR person/muse/sister/mother...you get the picture. She's also known as the jerk whisperer, and her next project is none other than the Renegades new quarterback, Ace Anderson.
I wasn't quite sure at first about Bryant. She seems too good to be true. But then I realize she's as every bit as stubborn as Ace, if not more, and is not above manipulating the situation to get what she wants. I found the combination fascinating. Don't get me wrong. Bryant is genuinely nice but beneath all that Southern bred charming is shrewd, shrewd mind. Ace has no idea what hit him.
I loved the chemistry between Ace and Bryant. Ace can be grumpy and taciturn but Bryant's sweetness just tempers that. I loved that while Ace was very attracted to Bryant and was falling in love with her, he wasn't blind to her faults either. They simply work as a couple.
Apart from Ace and Bryant, the one person I was looking forward to meeting in this book was Ty Masters. Remember him? He's Knox' twin brother, and man, I can't wait for his book. I hope Jen Frederick writes a story about him because I love a man who is cynical or doesn't believe in love falls for someone unexpected.
Also, the football aspect of the story was wonderful to read. It shows how much Ms. Frederick loves and respects the sport, which bleeds into her writing and make it fun for readers like me to read.
Despite my initial hesitance, Downed ended up being my favorite in the series. Truly worth the read.
ARC provided for review purposes
November 27, 2016
Review now posted - 11/24
Stand-alone but part of the Gridiron series
HEA:
Cheating:
Trigger:
Ace was the last men I expected to have his own story so soon. Yet Jen Frederick chose him for his next book in the Gridiron series. And damn that was a perfect move!
After Sacked I wanted Ace's story so much because what is not to love in a good asshole? After Jockblocked I wasn't so sure anymore. Was he really redeemable?
Nonetheless I was thrilled he got his book! Hell yeah!! I wanted him to suffer, to grovel maybe. I wanted him to understand what it was to fall in love and work for it!
For those who start this series with Downed, I say go for it! It's a perfect start and a way to have no bias against the guy. You'll get a better version of him and that's just as good.
" This year, my senior year, I'm trying to be... better, I guess? I'm still an asshole, and I still don't give a shit about many people, but I'm not falling into hold habits. Or at least, I'm trying no to"
JR" Ace" Anderson is in a new team after being kicked out of his last one. He has the chance to start fresh, to get back to his Quarterback position and just rocked his last season. He is a guy there to win and his focus is solely on football. He already won two championships and his experience might be good for the team... Only if his team would listen to him; and that's not going to happen anytime soon. His reputation precedes him and his new teammates hold a certain grudge against him.
Bryant Johnson is the Coach's daughter and is around a lot. She will be there even more because she chooses Ace as a new" project". See this girl as a weird habit to date guys to make them more "date material". She tries to make them quit their asshole ways and be a perfect gentleman. And who is more asshole than the others?
I see you're following.
I know I have a good book when it can capture my attention within the 10%. It can be with lots of things and Downed was with a good laugh. The way Bryant is acting and the way Ace can't even believe he's letting himself treat that way is too damn funny!
The attraction between these two was quick and delightful. To see Ace fall was just perfect. He surprises me in so many ways. This is a grown version of himself and I loved it a lot. He couldn't have found a better match than Bryant.
Both are fooling themselves to believe this is just for the greater good. Their defences are crumbling down like ice in the sun. They way they fall in love were refreshing and totally unexpected.
Jen Frederick made this story pleasant and funny in so many ways. Ace is still acting like an asshole at times but he's sweet, endearing and hot as hell! Who doesn't love a sexy sport romance with hot football players?
Once again, you'll be fully immerse in the football universe and fans or non fans would be happy to discover all the behind the scenes.
In case you need any more convincing, Downed was a story about finding your true self, about friendship and real unbreakable bonds, about trust in yourself and others, about making you feel good and see your deserve happiness, but even more so take a chance at love when you haven't expected it, when you haven't see it coming and when you need to take a chance because it's the right time.
" I'm still an asshole, but I like to think that these days I'm a lovable one. Or, at least one person in particular loves my asshole self."
~ ARC provided by the author in exchange of an honest review~
Stand-alone but part of the Gridiron series
HEA:
Cheating:
Trigger:
Ace was the last men I expected to have his own story so soon. Yet Jen Frederick chose him for his next book in the Gridiron series. And damn that was a perfect move!
After Sacked I wanted Ace's story so much because what is not to love in a good asshole? After Jockblocked I wasn't so sure anymore. Was he really redeemable?
Nonetheless I was thrilled he got his book! Hell yeah!! I wanted him to suffer, to grovel maybe. I wanted him to understand what it was to fall in love and work for it!
For those who start this series with Downed, I say go for it! It's a perfect start and a way to have no bias against the guy. You'll get a better version of him and that's just as good.
" This year, my senior year, I'm trying to be... better, I guess? I'm still an asshole, and I still don't give a shit about many people, but I'm not falling into hold habits. Or at least, I'm trying no to"
JR" Ace" Anderson is in a new team after being kicked out of his last one. He has the chance to start fresh, to get back to his Quarterback position and just rocked his last season. He is a guy there to win and his focus is solely on football. He already won two championships and his experience might be good for the team... Only if his team would listen to him; and that's not going to happen anytime soon. His reputation precedes him and his new teammates hold a certain grudge against him.
Bryant Johnson is the Coach's daughter and is around a lot. She will be there even more because she chooses Ace as a new" project". See this girl as a weird habit to date guys to make them more "date material". She tries to make them quit their asshole ways and be a perfect gentleman. And who is more asshole than the others?
I see you're following.
I know I have a good book when it can capture my attention within the 10%. It can be with lots of things and Downed was with a good laugh. The way Bryant is acting and the way Ace can't even believe he's letting himself treat that way is too damn funny!
The attraction between these two was quick and delightful. To see Ace fall was just perfect. He surprises me in so many ways. This is a grown version of himself and I loved it a lot. He couldn't have found a better match than Bryant.
Both are fooling themselves to believe this is just for the greater good. Their defences are crumbling down like ice in the sun. They way they fall in love were refreshing and totally unexpected.
Jen Frederick made this story pleasant and funny in so many ways. Ace is still acting like an asshole at times but he's sweet, endearing and hot as hell! Who doesn't love a sexy sport romance with hot football players?
Once again, you'll be fully immerse in the football universe and fans or non fans would be happy to discover all the behind the scenes.
In case you need any more convincing, Downed was a story about finding your true self, about friendship and real unbreakable bonds, about trust in yourself and others, about making you feel good and see your deserve happiness, but even more so take a chance at love when you haven't expected it, when you haven't see it coming and when you need to take a chance because it's the right time.
" I'm still an asshole, but I like to think that these days I'm a lovable one. Or, at least one person in particular loves my asshole self."
~ ARC provided by the author in exchange of an honest review~
September 18, 2022
Not a great read, but not a bad one either. I really don't know how to rate this. The story seemed really far fetched for my liking (I know, I know it's fiction and whatever). But you have the heroine Bryant, which is the coach's daughter and also your typical sorority girl (as in has to be in a lot events around campus). But in my opinion she was hmm what's the phrase, full of herself, self-centered, holier than thou...and being the coach's daughter she is worshipped around campus. I know I'm seeing her in the wrong light and she was meant to be the sweetheart that is nice and tries to help everyone. She has these "projects" where she tries to turn bad boys into saints. And when the project is successfully completed, the men go into "long term relationships" with her friends or people she knows. Which she's totally cool with, that's her goal. It's because of something that happened in her life on why she has these projects. What seemed unbelievable to me was that, if I was a bad boy and dating someone (supposedly as hot as she was) and we weren't sleeping together, I would drop her in a heart beat...I mean isn't that what most bad boys tend to do. But no she rehabilitates these bad boys, but doesn't sleep with any one of them besides the Hero Ace. Oh I forgot to mention, her dad is cool with these projects...
If you read the books before, you know that H is a HUGE manwhore even quoting that it wasn't unusual to sleep with two women (at separate times) in a night YUCK! Although, he hasn't been with anyone since he moved to that university, you do read a few times how much of a manwhore he was. He was kicked out of his last school for sleeping with the coach's daughter. So being the new QB at this university and having a history, every teammate is wary of him. They don't try to bond with him and he keeps to himself. That is until the Goddess/Saint Bryant comes in the picture and makes him her project. Since he associates with this Goddess and they are dating he's becomes the most popular guy on the team /sarcasm. But the other teammates do warm up to him and my opinion of him becomes a lot better throughout the book.
Overall, I do like sports romances, but this book was a little far fetched read for me. Maybe I'll try to read the book again with a different mindset and hopefully like it a lot better. I did like the interaction with the teammates and there were some funny parts in the book. The H and h did grow on me towards the end, but there was just too much eyerolling to rate any higher at this time.
Safety:
If you read the books before, you know that H is a HUGE manwhore even quoting that it wasn't unusual to sleep with two women (at separate times) in a night YUCK! Although, he hasn't been with anyone since he moved to that university, you do read a few times how much of a manwhore he was. He was kicked out of his last school for sleeping with the coach's daughter. So being the new QB at this university and having a history, every teammate is wary of him. They don't try to bond with him and he keeps to himself. That is until the Goddess/Saint Bryant comes in the picture and makes him her project. Since he associates with this Goddess and they are dating he's becomes the most popular guy on the team /sarcasm. But the other teammates do warm up to him and my opinion of him becomes a lot better throughout the book.
Overall, I do like sports romances, but this book was a little far fetched read for me. Maybe I'll try to read the book again with a different mindset and hopefully like it a lot better. I did like the interaction with the teammates and there were some funny parts in the book. The H and h did grow on me towards the end, but there was just too much eyerolling to rate any higher at this time.
Safety:
December 2, 2016
I’m an unabashed sports romance junkie even though some of them aren’t very original. Jen Frederick has a knack for writing new adult sports romances that manage to avoid being formulaic. Downed is the third book in the enjoyable Gridiron series, and it does not disappoint.
Ace was the college quarterback for the Warriors in Jockblocked. He was an indiscriminate pig who used women and did some shady stuff that I won’t talk about just in case you haven’t read it. Honestly, he was such an ass that I couldn’t imagine him being a sympathetic protagonist in this book.
In Downed, Ace’s conduct has caused him to be kicked off the Warriors team, but now he’s been recruited by Southern University as their starting quarterback. A new school means a fresh start and hopefully reformed behavior, but his reputation precedes him. Despite the two championships he has under his belt, earning the trust of his teammates proves to be challenging.
Bryant is the coach’s daughter and ultimate football supporter. She’s an upbeat people pleaser who is adored by everyone. Bryant makes it her mission to rehabilitate the biggest jerks she can find and turn them into perfect boyfriend material. She sets her sights on grumpy bad boy Ace as her new “project”. Unfortunately for Bryant, Ace is more than he seems at first glance and may be a danger to her plans and her heart. As for Ace, Bryant makes him reevaluate his “no dating/no girlfriends” rule while he nurses his wounded pride.
This is such a cute story, and I can safely say that I’m now #TeamAce. Bryant may be a little too sugary sweet Southern belle for my tastes, but she makes a great contrast to Ace’s gruffness and I loved the way they interact with each other.
Go ahead and add this book to my rapidly going list of why I’m a Jen Frederick fan.
Downed can is a standalone, although I recommend reading the other books in the series at some point purely for enjoyment.
Recommended for fans of:
Sports romance
College stories
Southern manners
Reformed jerks
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
Ace was the college quarterback for the Warriors in Jockblocked. He was an indiscriminate pig who used women and did some shady stuff that I won’t talk about just in case you haven’t read it. Honestly, he was such an ass that I couldn’t imagine him being a sympathetic protagonist in this book.
In Downed, Ace’s conduct has caused him to be kicked off the Warriors team, but now he’s been recruited by Southern University as their starting quarterback. A new school means a fresh start and hopefully reformed behavior, but his reputation precedes him. Despite the two championships he has under his belt, earning the trust of his teammates proves to be challenging.
Bryant is the coach’s daughter and ultimate football supporter. She’s an upbeat people pleaser who is adored by everyone. Bryant makes it her mission to rehabilitate the biggest jerks she can find and turn them into perfect boyfriend material. She sets her sights on grumpy bad boy Ace as her new “project”. Unfortunately for Bryant, Ace is more than he seems at first glance and may be a danger to her plans and her heart. As for Ace, Bryant makes him reevaluate his “no dating/no girlfriends” rule while he nurses his wounded pride.
This is such a cute story, and I can safely say that I’m now #TeamAce. Bryant may be a little too sugary sweet Southern belle for my tastes, but she makes a great contrast to Ace’s gruffness and I loved the way they interact with each other.
Go ahead and add this book to my rapidly going list of why I’m a Jen Frederick fan.
Downed can is a standalone, although I recommend reading the other books in the series at some point purely for enjoyment.
Recommended for fans of:
Sports romance
College stories
Southern manners
Reformed jerks
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
December 10, 2016
This is what an NA romance should be! This was a college sports romance with three-dimensional MCs that were unusual choices for the average romance author. Kudos to the author for staying away from cookie-cutter characters!
The a-hole H fit just right with a h-who-just-has-to-save-everybody and the HEA felt like it would be a lasting one. The h was also real and likeable without seeming too martyrish or judgemental. While the H was a jerk, getting his POV made it easier to understand where he came from and how much his upbringing by his sleaze of a dad influenced him. It was good to see him overcoming that. This book was a coming of age in many ways for both the MCs.
On the whole a 4.25 stars!
The a-hole H fit just right with a h-who-just-has-to-save-everybody and the HEA felt like it would be a lasting one. The h was also real and likeable without seeming too martyrish or judgemental. While the H was a jerk, getting his POV made it easier to understand where he came from and how much his upbringing by his sleaze of a dad influenced him. It was good to see him overcoming that. This book was a coming of age in many ways for both the MCs.
On the whole a 4.25 stars!
December 5, 2016
4.5 stars
First of all that cover? *swoon*
I'll be the first to admit that I hated Ace in the last book. HATED him. I thought he was a self involved manwhore that could never be redeemed? You know my favorite types of books are the ones when I'm proved wrong!! Jen F. made me a believer and a Ace lover!
Bryant is not the typical coache's daughter. She takes on these little projects to help guys be better people in society. I won't tell you why but she has her reason.
Ace is well....he's an asshole. If you read book two of this series then you know why. He's starting fresh as a new school and hopes to put his all on the field with little distractions. The guys don't like him though and he has a hard time gelling with his teammates.
That's where Bryant comes in. She's going to make him a better person and teammate. She's never fallen for one of her projects before and she won't start now...but you know what they say about good intentions, right?!
I want to say that I loved the guy that Ace became but really I think he was at heart a good guy that just went in a wrong direction. The steam in this one was pretty high and I loved these two together.
I'm still sitting here begging for Hammer's book though Jen. Please put me out of my misery.
*The Review Loft*
**Arc provided for honest review**
First of all that cover? *swoon*
I'll be the first to admit that I hated Ace in the last book. HATED him. I thought he was a self involved manwhore that could never be redeemed? You know my favorite types of books are the ones when I'm proved wrong!! Jen F. made me a believer and a Ace lover!
Bryant is not the typical coache's daughter. She takes on these little projects to help guys be better people in society. I won't tell you why but she has her reason.
Ace is well....he's an asshole. If you read book two of this series then you know why. He's starting fresh as a new school and hopes to put his all on the field with little distractions. The guys don't like him though and he has a hard time gelling with his teammates.
That's where Bryant comes in. She's going to make him a better person and teammate. She's never fallen for one of her projects before and she won't start now...but you know what they say about good intentions, right?!
I want to say that I loved the guy that Ace became but really I think he was at heart a good guy that just went in a wrong direction. The steam in this one was pretty high and I loved these two together.
I'm still sitting here begging for Hammer's book though Jen. Please put me out of my misery.
*The Review Loft*
**Arc provided for honest review**
November 26, 2016
I will admit I didn't go into this book with much hope for Ace. And Bryant was just...well, weird. And even when I thought I knew how this book was going to go, Frederick didn't quite go that route and I appreciated it.
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
December 2, 2016
I thought Ace would be the reason I may not like the book because he was pretty disgusting in Jockblocked, but that honor actually belongs to Bryant. She was soooo annoying and her "projects" were unrealistic and eye-roll worthy. I really like the first two books in this series but this was a big miss for me.
June 9, 2017
4 Stars
In the third installment of Jen Frederick's Gridiron series, we find ousted Western State quarterback Ace Anderson has found himself at a new school, Southern U, for his last year of college ball. He finds himself in a place he doesn't really understand on a team he doesn't relate to. He is struggling to fit in with his new teammates but he is determined to make the most of his second chance and prove he deserves to play. He is dedicated to football, he has given up his old ways and sworn off women.
Bryant Johnson is a woman on a mission. She is committed to re-training the campus hound dogs, who use and discard girls, turns them into gentlemen who learn how to treat and appreciate ladies. She seeks out a new "project" each semester, hoping to find the root of their behavior and ultimately help them become better people. She has set her sights on Ace.
Ace has no desire to be in any kind of relationship and he has tried to let Bryant down easily, she just smiles and doesn't seem to accept it. When Ace realizes Bryant is the beloved daughter of his coach and adored by his teammates, he fears he will be ostracized from another team and decides to just play along until he can find a way to let her down without upsetting anyone.
As their time together progresses, they have to decide what is real. Bryant has never developed feeling for any of her projects and Ace had never wanted a relationship. While I found the middle of the book to be a little boring and kind of predictable, I will say I was pleasantly surprised by the turn here. It was a wonderful twist, Ms. Frederick took a different route that had me laughing and smiling while feeling the emotion needed to make this story different.
In the end, it worked and I enjoyed this one and would recommend it.
This can be real as a stand alone.
https://dirtybooksobsessiongroup.word...
In the third installment of Jen Frederick's Gridiron series, we find ousted Western State quarterback Ace Anderson has found himself at a new school, Southern U, for his last year of college ball. He finds himself in a place he doesn't really understand on a team he doesn't relate to. He is struggling to fit in with his new teammates but he is determined to make the most of his second chance and prove he deserves to play. He is dedicated to football, he has given up his old ways and sworn off women.
Bryant Johnson is a woman on a mission. She is committed to re-training the campus hound dogs, who use and discard girls, turns them into gentlemen who learn how to treat and appreciate ladies. She seeks out a new "project" each semester, hoping to find the root of their behavior and ultimately help them become better people. She has set her sights on Ace.
Ace has no desire to be in any kind of relationship and he has tried to let Bryant down easily, she just smiles and doesn't seem to accept it. When Ace realizes Bryant is the beloved daughter of his coach and adored by his teammates, he fears he will be ostracized from another team and decides to just play along until he can find a way to let her down without upsetting anyone.
As their time together progresses, they have to decide what is real. Bryant has never developed feeling for any of her projects and Ace had never wanted a relationship. While I found the middle of the book to be a little boring and kind of predictable, I will say I was pleasantly surprised by the turn here. It was a wonderful twist, Ms. Frederick took a different route that had me laughing and smiling while feeling the emotion needed to make this story different.
In the end, it worked and I enjoyed this one and would recommend it.
This can be real as a stand alone.
https://dirtybooksobsessiongroup.word...
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