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Hard to Love #1
Wrecking Ball
Best laid plans are going to get wrecked when a reclusive football star is forced to live with a reluctant nanny.
A standalone novel. All books in this series can be read separately and out of order.
Cam DeSantis’ life is a mess.
How else would you describe losing your husband, your job, and your money all at once?
Desperate times call for desperate measures. So when salvation comes in the form of one intolerable jerk, she has no choice but to accept his offer as a nanny for his eight year old nephew.
Now all she has to do is find a way to ignore him for the next three months. Which is easier said than done.
NFL quarterback Calvin Shaw has zero interest in women.
It’s not that he doesn’t like women. In fact, he loves women. He just doesn’t want anything to do with them.
What he needs to do is focus on winning another Super Bowl before he retires.
Problem is, the woman living in his house is a major distraction. And he doesn’t know what’s worse, that he promised to be civil, or that he’s attracted to her.
A standalone novel. All books in this series can be read separately and out of order.
Cam DeSantis’ life is a mess.
How else would you describe losing your husband, your job, and your money all at once?
Desperate times call for desperate measures. So when salvation comes in the form of one intolerable jerk, she has no choice but to accept his offer as a nanny for his eight year old nephew.
Now all she has to do is find a way to ignore him for the next three months. Which is easier said than done.
NFL quarterback Calvin Shaw has zero interest in women.
It’s not that he doesn’t like women. In fact, he loves women. He just doesn’t want anything to do with them.
What he needs to do is focus on winning another Super Bowl before he retires.
Problem is, the woman living in his house is a major distraction. And he doesn’t know what’s worse, that he promised to be civil, or that he’s attracted to her.
361 pages, ebook
First published January 19, 2017
663 people are currently reading
15339 people want to read
About the author
P. Dangelico
24 books3,624 followers"If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.” ― Elmore Leonard
Visit my website:
http://www.pdangelico.com
Get to know me at my Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/p.dangelico/
Join my Facebook reading Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PDang...
Visit my Instagram account:
https://www.instagram.com/pdangelicoa...
Get free goodies and sale alerts by joining my Mailing List: https://www.pdangelico.com/contact
Or find me on Goodreads.
USA Today Bestselling author P. Dangelico loves romance in all forms, furry creatures, the NY Jets (although she’s reconsidering after this season), and to while away the day at the barn (apparently she does her best thinking shoveling horse poop). What she’s not enamored with is referring to herself in the third person and social media. Although she was born in Milan Italy, she’s been Jersey Strong since she turned six.
Visit my website:
http://www.pdangelico.com
Get to know me at my Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/p.dangelico/
Join my Facebook reading Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PDang...
Visit my Instagram account:
https://www.instagram.com/pdangelicoa...
Get free goodies and sale alerts by joining my Mailing List: https://www.pdangelico.com/contact
Or find me on Goodreads.
USA Today Bestselling author P. Dangelico loves romance in all forms, furry creatures, the NY Jets (although she’s reconsidering after this season), and to while away the day at the barn (apparently she does her best thinking shoveling horse poop). What she’s not enamored with is referring to herself in the third person and social media. Although she was born in Milan Italy, she’s been Jersey Strong since she turned six.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,746 reviews
February 6, 2017
Slow burns only work for me if the author can keep me engaged and boy did she! I loved the build up of this story. Calvin is a really sexy grump with some issues that have stemmed from his life experiences. Cam has had some pretty shitty things happen as a result of believing in the wrong person. Yet, these two are perfectly matched. I love Cam so much. Despite her circumstances, she doesn't take crap from anyone. She's a strong lead with a very distinct voice, great characterization, and a big heart. Calvin is hella surly, sometimes mean, but there's just enough there to keep you on the hook. He turns out to be pretty darn awesome once you peel back the layers. There's this vulnerability in him that shines through every once in a while that humanizes him. The pacing and their progression felt organic. Their love scenes were very sexy and worth the wait. The plot was interesting and allowed for development to occur between the characters. I would've like to know more about what happened to Amanda and Sam, though. The side characters and their setup quite intriguing. Cam's bestie is hilarious! The writing was on point. I can wait to dig into the next one. Safety: No others for either of them. No rape or abuse.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2019
4.5 Stars
Maximum satisfaction.
QUICK REVIEW:
Enjoyment: 5/5
Writing style: 5/5
Storyline: 4/5
Hero: 5/5
Heroine: 5/5
Secondary characters: 5/5
Hotness/chemistry: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Angst: 3/5
Darkness level: 1/5
Humor: 5/5
Depth of the book: 4/5
POV: heroine, first person
Similar books: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
Maximum satisfaction.
QUICK REVIEW:
Enjoyment: 5/5
Writing style: 5/5
Storyline: 4/5
Hero: 5/5
Heroine: 5/5
Secondary characters: 5/5
Hotness/chemistry: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Angst: 3/5
Darkness level: 1/5
Humor: 5/5
Depth of the book: 4/5
POV: heroine, first person
Similar books: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
September 27, 2021
3 Stars
I have had P. Dangelico on my "to-read author" list for a really, really long time, so I am glad to have finally read one of her books.
This was a cute, sweet read and I enjoyed it. I gotta say though...it was giving me very, VERY strong Wall of Winnipeg vibes all throughout. Now, being that that book it is one of my all-time favorite, most read and re-read books EVER, I know it like the back of my hand and the similarities were...overwhelmingly numerous.
Now, to be clear, I'm not trying to throw shade at PG and say it was intentional if it wasn't...but this literally felt like it was written via a GPS set to a Winnipeg roadmap.
But I digress.
Like I said, I though this was cute and I enjoyed it; however, while I loved the writing, the setup, and all the elements in general...something was just missing for me and I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it was because, like I said, it was giving me WoW vibes, but just obviously wasn't WoW, but I'm not sure.
I liked Camilla and I LOVED Shaw, but I feel like the transition in Shaw and Camilla's relationship and their feelings for each other were never really given enough tangible traction. They go from having a great snarky tension to Camilla telling Shaw what a great guy he is what seemed like overnight. I don't know. Like I said, I can't quite put my finger on what is was about this that kept it from being a 4/5 star read for me.
Regardless, I really liked Dangelico's writing and her characters here and will for sure try another book from her. I feel like I will maybe have better luck with another of her books when I'm not thinking about one of my favorite ride or dies (and thus comparing it to said ride or die) the entire time.
I have had P. Dangelico on my "to-read author" list for a really, really long time, so I am glad to have finally read one of her books.
This was a cute, sweet read and I enjoyed it. I gotta say though...it was giving me very, VERY strong Wall of Winnipeg vibes all throughout. Now, being that that book it is one of my all-time favorite, most read and re-read books EVER, I know it like the back of my hand and the similarities were...overwhelmingly numerous.
Now, to be clear, I'm not trying to throw shade at PG and say it was intentional if it wasn't...but this literally felt like it was written via a GPS set to a Winnipeg roadmap.
But I digress.
Like I said, I though this was cute and I enjoyed it; however, while I loved the writing, the setup, and all the elements in general...something was just missing for me and I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it was because, like I said, it was giving me WoW vibes, but just obviously wasn't WoW, but I'm not sure.
I liked Camilla and I LOVED Shaw, but I feel like the transition in Shaw and Camilla's relationship and their feelings for each other were never really given enough tangible traction. They go from having a great snarky tension to Camilla telling Shaw what a great guy he is what seemed like overnight. I don't know. Like I said, I can't quite put my finger on what is was about this that kept it from being a 4/5 star read for me.
Regardless, I really liked Dangelico's writing and her characters here and will for sure try another book from her. I feel like I will maybe have better luck with another of her books when I'm not thinking about one of my favorite ride or dies (and thus comparing it to said ride or die) the entire time.
March 10, 2021
5 Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
Okay, I know this is my 3rd review of the year and again, I am all excited about a book. I am just as shocked as you! P. Dangelico was a new-to-me author so I only had the blurb to give me an idea of what the book would be like...Well people, as you can tell from my title and rating, I loved it.
Now there are a lot of reasons to like this book; the writing, the slow burn between the characters, and the way the story revealed itself. What I especially appreciated was how we got to know each character and saw all of it happening before our eyes...
Cam DeSantis' life is a mess...She has experienced things she never ever thought she would. She thought she was living the dream: married to a man who loved her, enjoyed a very comfortable lifestyle brought about by her husband's company and drive... and doing what she loved, teaching third graders. She lived in Connecticut because he wanted them to, had their circle of friends, and life happened without anything out of the ordinary or so she thought...
In retrospect, we all see things we should have noticed...But for Cam...Every missed opportunity to question and receive answers has been taken away by a freak car crash. Her husband was driving on a slick, wet road and swerved so as not to hit an animal...This caused him to lose control and slam into the Hudson River.
Now losing your husband in a terrible accident is devastating...but unfortunately...there was more heartache in store for Cam... You see, her husband was an achiever...and when his company was not doing so well and things took a turn for the worse...he just couldn't accept it... Instead, he thought he would save it...by using other people's money...In plain English... he ran a Ponzi scheme... using new money from investors to pay off old investors...
What does that have to do with a well-loved third-grade teacher...Everything... because she had no idea and had to fight the Government, the Tabloids, and School District to prove it. Cam's parents gave up their retirement funds to assist her and the ordeal was a huge learning experience she would have liked to have done without.
However...
These last three years wrestling with FBI, IRS, and Social Media have taught Cam a thing or two...
Fuck them...
Yes, she is done with people accusing her of being in on her husband's business...
She is done with men in their suits thinking they can push her around...
She is done with all the looks, people calling her out, and ugly words...
She is just done.
What she isn't done with is the need for a job. It seems from all of the publicity, she is having an extremely difficult time finding a position as a teacher....or anything else. She is lucky, though... her best friend and the one who has always understood her hooked her up with a part-time position at the restaurant where she is the bartender. So while she works at the bar, she also has applied at different employment agencies.
Cam finally gets a call to interview for a teaching position...with some unusual conditions. She is to go to the house...meet with the client, sign a non-disclosure agreement and then interview. She asks the agency if they know who she really is... because it all will come out via the background check when they run one...She hears silence and then the comment of "better sell yourself so that they will want to keep you..."
With not much choice, Cam goes to the house which turns out to be a huge mansion, meets with a very attractive attorney, signs the NDA, and then is taken to meet with the young 8 years old who will be her responsibility for the next 3 months. She is to live on the premises and be responsible for his schooling and activities while his mom is in rehab.
Before Cam goes to up the stairs and sees the boy, she happens to see a huge man standing in a hallway... they both are looking directly at each other and she feels the power of his gaze...He is built like a mountain; so solid and large...a man who turns heads...and turns out to be the starting quarterback for NY Titans. It is his nephew who she would be teaching. Cam continues on her way to the boy shaking off that first glance from the uncle.
Calvin Shaw is closed off...He wasn't always that way...He had his career, was married to a woman he thought loved him as much as he loved her...He learned his life lessons the hard way, too...
Wifey wasn't that in love ...Cheated with another, got pregnant with the partner and now the two cheaters are happily ever afters...
All of this made Calvin pull deep inside to get through... he does his training, eats his clean diet, stays home mostly, and does not deal with women...Doesn't play the football groupie game...His focus right now is to get into shape for the upcoming season and having his nephew here is an added pressure... He has been sent too many applicants, liked none of them and this latest one...He doesn't want her there at all.
Cam had a very careful meeting with the boy, Sam. He was building with Legos and mostly all Cam did was sit on the floor with him and helped...Both worked together and a couple of words were said...Cam understood the trauma Sam must have been dealing with and felt she would be able to help him work through them while she was there.
With a positive outlook, Cam is on her way to the kitchen when she overhears Calvin and his way of telling the attorney he didn't want her there.
That was all they wrote... In Cam's mind...she was out of there... Remember, she was done with anyone treating her badly...She goes into the kitchen informing them she thought Sam was a lovely boy but she would not be taking the position and left.
That is the start of a very strong and engaging story. We have a woman holding on by the skin of her teeth... where she is trying to start afresh. She has the burden of knowing the sacrifice her parents made for her in order to clear her name. Her only means of employment is at the bar with her friend...and she has her inner strength of holding on to who she wants to be.
Calvin Shaw now has another problem...Sam has taken to this woman who doesn't want the job. He knows he is the reason...He has to figure out a way to make it happen. Whenever he has put his mind to something... it has happened and this will be no different.
These two will grow on you fast... the interactions, the slow build-up is well done. Sam will capture your heart one little smile at a time and Abby, Cam's friend is a hoot...
But the chemistry of Cam and Calvin is so right you can taste it...He is this fortress of emotions all locked down...Cam is front and center with hers... and when they become a sort of friends... this book goes into overdrive...sparks start to leap off the page and you cannot wait for what you hope will happen... and when things move towards love...Major Swoon.
P. Dangelico created a man who had a hard existence, made it out, and became a huge sports star. He thought he had love and life...Wasn't so and had to deal with it. She also created a woman who thought she had her life and it was all a lie...Putting these two damaged people together was genius...and made this read more than snappy fun times...made it a truly romantic read.
Thank you for starting my year out on such a wonderful high.
Wrecking Ball (Hard To Love #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sledgehammer (Hard To Love #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bulldozer (Hard To Love #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Well, this is a predicament...
It is not every day a Loyal, Trusting Wife, and Beloved Teacher...
Has Her World Ripped Apart...
Nope, having to deal with the ramifications of your deceased husband's Ponzi Scheme can totally cause one to pause...
It also makes one broke...
The challenge is how to handle the offer to help a deserving 8-year-old boy who just happens to be staying with the most insufferable man...
Forget he is the Quarterback of the NY Titans, built like a human wall of muscles, and has the most piercing gray eyes...
Yeah... You work on that...and let's see how it ends up....
Wrecking Ball-January 19th 2017
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free
Okay, I know this is my 3rd review of the year and again, I am all excited about a book. I am just as shocked as you! P. Dangelico was a new-to-me author so I only had the blurb to give me an idea of what the book would be like...Well people, as you can tell from my title and rating, I loved it.
Now there are a lot of reasons to like this book; the writing, the slow burn between the characters, and the way the story revealed itself. What I especially appreciated was how we got to know each character and saw all of it happening before our eyes...
Cam DeSantis' life is a mess...She has experienced things she never ever thought she would. She thought she was living the dream: married to a man who loved her, enjoyed a very comfortable lifestyle brought about by her husband's company and drive... and doing what she loved, teaching third graders. She lived in Connecticut because he wanted them to, had their circle of friends, and life happened without anything out of the ordinary or so she thought...
In retrospect, we all see things we should have noticed...But for Cam...Every missed opportunity to question and receive answers has been taken away by a freak car crash. Her husband was driving on a slick, wet road and swerved so as not to hit an animal...This caused him to lose control and slam into the Hudson River.
Now losing your husband in a terrible accident is devastating...but unfortunately...there was more heartache in store for Cam... You see, her husband was an achiever...and when his company was not doing so well and things took a turn for the worse...he just couldn't accept it... Instead, he thought he would save it...by using other people's money...In plain English... he ran a Ponzi scheme... using new money from investors to pay off old investors...
What does that have to do with a well-loved third-grade teacher...Everything... because she had no idea and had to fight the Government, the Tabloids, and School District to prove it. Cam's parents gave up their retirement funds to assist her and the ordeal was a huge learning experience she would have liked to have done without.
However...
These last three years wrestling with FBI, IRS, and Social Media have taught Cam a thing or two...
Fuck them...
Yes, she is done with people accusing her of being in on her husband's business...
She is done with men in their suits thinking they can push her around...
She is done with all the looks, people calling her out, and ugly words...
She is just done.
What she isn't done with is the need for a job. It seems from all of the publicity, she is having an extremely difficult time finding a position as a teacher....or anything else. She is lucky, though... her best friend and the one who has always understood her hooked her up with a part-time position at the restaurant where she is the bartender. So while she works at the bar, she also has applied at different employment agencies.
Cam finally gets a call to interview for a teaching position...with some unusual conditions. She is to go to the house...meet with the client, sign a non-disclosure agreement and then interview. She asks the agency if they know who she really is... because it all will come out via the background check when they run one...She hears silence and then the comment of "better sell yourself so that they will want to keep you..."
With not much choice, Cam goes to the house which turns out to be a huge mansion, meets with a very attractive attorney, signs the NDA, and then is taken to meet with the young 8 years old who will be her responsibility for the next 3 months. She is to live on the premises and be responsible for his schooling and activities while his mom is in rehab.
Before Cam goes to up the stairs and sees the boy, she happens to see a huge man standing in a hallway... they both are looking directly at each other and she feels the power of his gaze...He is built like a mountain; so solid and large...a man who turns heads...and turns out to be the starting quarterback for NY Titans. It is his nephew who she would be teaching. Cam continues on her way to the boy shaking off that first glance from the uncle.
Calvin Shaw is closed off...He wasn't always that way...He had his career, was married to a woman he thought loved him as much as he loved her...He learned his life lessons the hard way, too...
Wifey wasn't that in love ...Cheated with another, got pregnant with the partner and now the two cheaters are happily ever afters...
All of this made Calvin pull deep inside to get through... he does his training, eats his clean diet, stays home mostly, and does not deal with women...Doesn't play the football groupie game...His focus right now is to get into shape for the upcoming season and having his nephew here is an added pressure... He has been sent too many applicants, liked none of them and this latest one...He doesn't want her there at all.
Cam had a very careful meeting with the boy, Sam. He was building with Legos and mostly all Cam did was sit on the floor with him and helped...Both worked together and a couple of words were said...Cam understood the trauma Sam must have been dealing with and felt she would be able to help him work through them while she was there.
With a positive outlook, Cam is on her way to the kitchen when she overhears Calvin and his way of telling the attorney he didn't want her there.
That was all they wrote... In Cam's mind...she was out of there... Remember, she was done with anyone treating her badly...She goes into the kitchen informing them she thought Sam was a lovely boy but she would not be taking the position and left.
That is the start of a very strong and engaging story. We have a woman holding on by the skin of her teeth... where she is trying to start afresh. She has the burden of knowing the sacrifice her parents made for her in order to clear her name. Her only means of employment is at the bar with her friend...and she has her inner strength of holding on to who she wants to be.
Calvin Shaw now has another problem...Sam has taken to this woman who doesn't want the job. He knows he is the reason...He has to figure out a way to make it happen. Whenever he has put his mind to something... it has happened and this will be no different.
These two will grow on you fast... the interactions, the slow build-up is well done. Sam will capture your heart one little smile at a time and Abby, Cam's friend is a hoot...
But the chemistry of Cam and Calvin is so right you can taste it...He is this fortress of emotions all locked down...Cam is front and center with hers... and when they become a sort of friends... this book goes into overdrive...sparks start to leap off the page and you cannot wait for what you hope will happen... and when things move towards love...Major Swoon.
P. Dangelico created a man who had a hard existence, made it out, and became a huge sports star. He thought he had love and life...Wasn't so and had to deal with it. She also created a woman who thought she had her life and it was all a lie...Putting these two damaged people together was genius...and made this read more than snappy fun times...made it a truly romantic read.
Thank you for starting my year out on such a wonderful high.
Wrecking Ball (Hard To Love #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sledgehammer (Hard To Love #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bulldozer (Hard To Love #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Well, this is a predicament...
It is not every day a Loyal, Trusting Wife, and Beloved Teacher...
Has Her World Ripped Apart...
Nope, having to deal with the ramifications of your deceased husband's Ponzi Scheme can totally cause one to pause...
It also makes one broke...
The challenge is how to handle the offer to help a deserving 8-year-old boy who just happens to be staying with the most insufferable man...
Forget he is the Quarterback of the NY Titans, built like a human wall of muscles, and has the most piercing gray eyes...
Yeah... You work on that...and let's see how it ends up....
Wrecking Ball-January 19th 2017
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
July 11, 2022
ｃｈｅｃｋ ｏｕｔ ｍｙ ｂｏｏｋｓｔａｇｒａｍ: https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
Camila's husband was killed and she discovers that all they had was a scam (literally). 💥
Because of his actions, she loses everything and is unable to find a job as a teacher - until she gets an amazing offer: homeschooling a 9-year-old kid for 3 months. The downside? She needs to move into his house. The advantage? Its good money. Really good money... 💚
Cam goes for an interview - and meets Calvin Shaw, a bearded, larger than life, quiet man... and also a famous football star. But the acquaintance leaves her with no desire for another meeting. Calvin throws an insulting remark about her looks and she walks away. But Sam (the nephew she's supposed to teach) fell in love with her - and Cal has to convince her to accept the job. 🙏
At first living together is not easy, until Cal has an idea... they should impersonate a couple:
For her - so people will stop harassing her because of her ex-husband.
And for him, so all the gold digger's will stop trying to get into his bed (and his wallet). 🤪
How will it end? Will Cam be able to penetrate the thick layer that covers Cal's heart? Will they find a way for each of them to get what he wants? 💚
📚 “𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜 𝘀𝗮𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀––𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝘄𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹…𝗜 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱.” 📚
Wow, I enjoyed this book so much!!! What I love about Slow Burn books is the anticipation before everything explodes - and damn, the scenes were SO HOT, it was worth the wait! 🔥🔥🔥
Cal kind of reminded me of Aidan from "The Wall of Winnipeg and Me" - an angry athlete on the outside but romantic and full of sweetness on the inside - so it may sound like a book we've already read, but it's not. 💚
The only thing I did not like was the twist towards the end. Damn, I hate when women do that!!!!!!! 💩
Plus, the ending was too fast and too sweet - but that's not what kept me from enjoying it. And - I could not understand what happened when Sam returned to his mother and... that's it! After all the love they both had for this kid, not even a phone call to ask how he is?? Good riddance?! 😂😂😂
In conclusion, I read this book eagerly - I waited to return to it whenever I had to stop - and I finished it with a huge smile... and that is all I need! 💚👏👑
This is the first book in the series, each book about a different character.
▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️
📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
📖 ᐯIᔕIT ᗰY ᗷᒪOG ᖴOᖇ ᗰOᖇE ᖇEᐯIEᗯᔕ: https://books-romance.com/
📖 GOOᗪᖇEᗩᗪᔕ: https://bit.ly/3acMRMP
💕 לקריאת הסקירה בעברית, כנסו לבלוג: https://books-romance.com/ 💕
March 9, 2017
4 Stars
”best laid plans are begging to be wrecked.”
Fans of slow burn books will definitely need to check this book out. P. Dangelico is a new to me author who delivers a solid read with a heroine who has been through the ringer with the passing of her ponzi scheming husband. Cam DeSantis has been trying to lie low from the public while moving back in with her parents and has been struggling to find a teaching position. She is offered a very lucrative live in position by NY Titans football star, Calvin Shaw. However, Calvin blows the opportunity by insulting our heroine on their introduction and has to make nice since his young nephew would like Cam to be his home schooling teacher.
Calvin is the slow to warm type hero who doesn’t let our heroine in that quickly. They go from enemies of a sort to friends to FINALLY so much more.
As you would expect with a slow burn story the pacing can drive you crazy as they eventually are even cuddling together in bed and a kiss here and there will have you thinking that this may finally be go time. However, go time so to say doesn’t occur till much later in the story but it’s super sexy and a reader will feel that they earned it as well.
Overall, the story is a good read and the heroine is very relatable as is her grief and pain from her prior relationship. The story does have a circumstance that pulls the two apart it is a subject they did need to address as a couple yet the turn of events given were predictable for these two very unpredictable type of characters. Still, I’m looking forward reading more from this author and the next book in this series the spunky best friend’s book due to release this year as well.
”best laid plans are begging to be wrecked.”
Fans of slow burn books will definitely need to check this book out. P. Dangelico is a new to me author who delivers a solid read with a heroine who has been through the ringer with the passing of her ponzi scheming husband. Cam DeSantis has been trying to lie low from the public while moving back in with her parents and has been struggling to find a teaching position. She is offered a very lucrative live in position by NY Titans football star, Calvin Shaw. However, Calvin blows the opportunity by insulting our heroine on their introduction and has to make nice since his young nephew would like Cam to be his home schooling teacher.
Calvin is the slow to warm type hero who doesn’t let our heroine in that quickly. They go from enemies of a sort to friends to FINALLY so much more.
As you would expect with a slow burn story the pacing can drive you crazy as they eventually are even cuddling together in bed and a kiss here and there will have you thinking that this may finally be go time. However, go time so to say doesn’t occur till much later in the story but it’s super sexy and a reader will feel that they earned it as well.
Overall, the story is a good read and the heroine is very relatable as is her grief and pain from her prior relationship. The story does have a circumstance that pulls the two apart it is a subject they did need to address as a couple yet the turn of events given were predictable for these two very unpredictable type of characters. Still, I’m looking forward reading more from this author and the next book in this series the spunky best friend’s book due to release this year as well.
Read
November 24, 2020started off so promising but this was a fail
December 18, 2018
Reread 29.08.2017 till 1 a.m. 30.08.2017
They would think I read it for the 1st time *le giggle*
Loved it. Despite me being not a big fan of the hero (except last chapter & epilogue)
I floved this book.
Already fangirling *MEGA MUCH* in eager anticipation of the next book in this series!
*************************************
31 January 2017 - the day I lost my P. Dangelico-virginity
5 I laughed myself silly stars
Brilliant! Funny! Outstanding!
As many of you I had a kind of déjà vu *cough cough*
but whatever, because it was awesome written and there was more than 1 sex-scene!!! *tongue rolling out* *break out in a sweat*
*annoy myself because I’m naughty* *love is more important* *who needs sex when there isnetflix kindl* *slap myself*
I absolutely loved it - my kind of humor, my kind of heroine, and even my kind of hero!
Sarcasm is thelowest highest form of wit.
Overall:
They would think I read it for the 1st time *le giggle*
Loved it. Despite me being not a big fan of the hero (except last chapter & epilogue)
I floved this book.
Already fangirling *MEGA MUCH* in eager anticipation of the next book in this series!
*************************************
31 January 2017 - the day I lost my P. Dangelico-virginity
5 I laughed myself silly stars
Brilliant! Funny! Outstanding!
As many of you I had a kind of déjà vu *cough cough*
but whatever, because it was awesome written and there was more than 1 sex-scene!!! *tongue rolling out* *break out in a sweat*
*annoy myself because I’m naughty* *love is more important* *who needs sex when there is
I absolutely loved it - my kind of humor, my kind of heroine, and even my kind of hero!
Sarcasm is the
Overall:
October 16, 2019
3.5 stars
I was warned that this book is so similar to ‘The wall of Winnipeg and me’ and I thought I wouldn’t mind, but they were SO similar and because I loved TWOPAM so much I couldn’t help but compare them to each other! It was still enjoyable tho.
What I struggled with; is that this book has too many tropes! Every few chapters you find another new trope being thrown at you. I wasn’t completely satisfied by the ending too. I wanted more groveling. Also, I had a hard time believing “the sudden change of heart” that happened in the end. I mean for someone to go to extreme measures to prevent “something” because he just doesn’t want it, it felt a little bit unrealistic and convenient to see him want it towards the end. It was so sudden, I felt like that’s a whole new plot that could be done in a different book, not to get it over with in a few pages.
Still the majority of the book was fun and entertaining. It’s a slow-burn romance but not as slow as TWOWAM. So if you didn’t like TWOWAM, there’s a high possibility that you’d like this one. And if you -like me- really loved TWOWAM, you might struggle a little with this one specially at the beginning.
This book was recommended to me twice by two awesome goodread friends. Lien and Antonella,Thank you so much, it was such an enjoyable read.
I was warned that this book is so similar to ‘The wall of Winnipeg and me’ and I thought I wouldn’t mind, but they were SO similar and because I loved TWOPAM so much I couldn’t help but compare them to each other! It was still enjoyable tho.
What I struggled with; is that this book has too many tropes! Every few chapters you find another new trope being thrown at you. I wasn’t completely satisfied by the ending too. I wanted more groveling. Also, I had a hard time believing “the sudden change of heart” that happened in the end. I mean for someone to go to extreme measures to prevent “something” because he just doesn’t want it, it felt a little bit unrealistic and convenient to see him want it towards the end. It was so sudden, I felt like that’s a whole new plot that could be done in a different book, not to get it over with in a few pages.
Still the majority of the book was fun and entertaining. It’s a slow-burn romance but not as slow as TWOWAM. So if you didn’t like TWOWAM, there’s a high possibility that you’d like this one. And if you -like me- really loved TWOWAM, you might struggle a little with this one specially at the beginning.
This book was recommended to me twice by two awesome goodread friends. Lien and Antonella,Thank you so much, it was such an enjoyable read.
October 20, 2018
Believe me, "it's me not you" :))) I am the odd one out :)))
It is so hard to rate this book for me and please do not count on my judgement because while it was a 5-star read for me up until 80%, suddenly it hit my “biggest trigger” and I hated the rest of the book...
So 5 stars for the majority of it and 1 star for the final part, which makes me end up with 3 points.
I believe that it could be a 4 or 5 star read for most of you because very few people are like me on this issue - very few people hate the “pregnancy & baby issues” in the middle of a romance book. I do... Fiercely! When the pregnancy/baby issues are determining the direction of the romance, then the book loses me there!
Some people may prefer not to have children for valid reasons of their own (including myself - and thank God I fell in love with a guy who thinks like me and doesn't want to be a father) and I do not believe in forcing them otherwise. In this case, there are two options, either you accept the person as they are, or you leave them. However, when a hero or heroine leaves the love of their life for this reason, it annoys me, it is my personal tendency that I cannot help - hence, my disappointment in this love story.
This is the reason why I am angry with the heroine in this book. I loved her so much until
And later, this problem was solved in a way I hated most, making me say "Oh WTF?" . So, after the solution of the problem in this weird way, the book lost me completely! And I also wondered if the same thing happened with the first wife, he never thought of testing it.
So, as I said, if you do not have such issues, just go for the book, it is good.
• Its writing style is 1st person point of view and it has a really fun & humorous tone.
• It has adorable characters and the story is very emotional, which touches your heart.
• We have a sassy heroine, a strong female with a big heart.
• We have a grumpy hero who turns out to be a gem.
• Their love is a “slow burn”, but a really slow one.
(The first nookie comes in the last 50 pages or so, the first kiss after 60%)
If you need an emotional romance, which has fun banter in it and told in a humorous way that will mostly put a big smile on your face and if you do not mind the “very slow burn” and “the pregnancy/baby issues”, then it may be a very good read for you.
It is so hard to rate this book for me and please do not count on my judgement because while it was a 5-star read for me up until 80%, suddenly it hit my “biggest trigger” and I hated the rest of the book...
So 5 stars for the majority of it and 1 star for the final part, which makes me end up with 3 points.
I believe that it could be a 4 or 5 star read for most of you because very few people are like me on this issue - very few people hate the “pregnancy & baby issues” in the middle of a romance book. I do... Fiercely! When the pregnancy/baby issues are determining the direction of the romance, then the book loses me there!
Some people may prefer not to have children for valid reasons of their own (including myself - and thank God I fell in love with a guy who thinks like me and doesn't want to be a father) and I do not believe in forcing them otherwise. In this case, there are two options, either you accept the person as they are, or you leave them. However, when a hero or heroine leaves the love of their life for this reason, it annoys me, it is my personal tendency that I cannot help - hence, my disappointment in this love story.
This is the reason why I am angry with the heroine in this book. I loved her so much until
And later, this problem was solved in a way I hated most, making me say "Oh WTF?" . So, after the solution of the problem in this weird way, the book lost me completely! And I also wondered if the same thing happened with the first wife, he never thought of testing it.
So, as I said, if you do not have such issues, just go for the book, it is good.
• Its writing style is 1st person point of view and it has a really fun & humorous tone.
• It has adorable characters and the story is very emotional, which touches your heart.
• We have a sassy heroine, a strong female with a big heart.
• We have a grumpy hero who turns out to be a gem.
• Their love is a “slow burn”, but a really slow one.
(The first nookie comes in the last 50 pages or so, the first kiss after 60%)
If you need an emotional romance, which has fun banter in it and told in a humorous way that will mostly put a big smile on your face and if you do not mind the “very slow burn” and “the pregnancy/baby issues”, then it may be a very good read for you.
June 24, 2021
4 stars!
I demolished this book so quickly. It gave off The Wall of Winnipeg and Me vibes, and I think that's what made me love Wrecking Ball
Cam and Cal were great characters, however, the secondary characters are what sealed the deal. Cam looking after Sam was super adorable. But what really tops the cake had to be Amber. She was hilarious!
I demolished this book so quickly. It gave off The Wall of Winnipeg and Me vibes, and I think that's what made me love Wrecking Ball
Cam and Cal were great characters, however, the secondary characters are what sealed the deal. Cam looking after Sam was super adorable. But what really tops the cake had to be Amber. She was hilarious!
February 15, 2021
SOMEONE SAVES ME.
Someone saves me from grumpy jerks heroes whose ex cheated and who now hate the whole world. We get it! Life sucks! Move the fuck on! You're so moody that you're scaring your 8 YEARS OLD NEPHEW for crying out loud. Ugh. Crafting a loveable grumpy hero is possible, although it requires talent to walk on that very thin line and it wasn't done well in Wrecking Ball. It just wasn't.
Also why do we still have to say that rape jokes aren't funny?
RAPE. JOKES. ARE. NEVER. FUNNY.
Not to mention the absolute horror of a surprise baby (I've hated this trope with passion since my very first romance read and YET this book somehow managed to make me hate it even more)
... and to add insult to injury Camilla suffered from a severe I CAN'T STOP BABBLING ABOUT HIS BODY'S PERFECTION syndrome (which is generally my cue to leave).
Nope nope nope nope nope I'm out.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
September 29, 2018
4.5/5
“I thought I was an adult. I thought taking care of shit, being responsible made me a man—but I was wrong. You did…loving you made a man out of me.”
I was speechless. Wow. This book.
It was such a pleasant surprise! I enjoyed it immensely. This one had so many things I love in my romance read:
- brooding hero
- strong heroine
- interesting supporting characters
- nice storyline
- heart-wrenching drama
- steamy, passionate romance
- no cheating
- wonderful epilogue
I loved how the author created the characters whom I wanted to know more about straight away. But I have to admit that I wasn’t much impressed with Calvin and Camilla’s first time meeting. Cal was rude and Cam was too hot-headed for my liking. But the more I read, the more they grew on me. I found that there was more to their characters than meets the eye. Cam was kind, strong, and reasonable, and she could be very sweet at times. And for Cal, I liked his persistence (which really did work for me in this case) and how he cared about her. And oh, don’t forget about his protectiveness and possessiveness! Those are my kryptonite! *swoon*
I adored these two despite their flaws. Of course, they weren’t perfect. They made mistakes, bad decisions, and wrong choices. But they learned from them. And all of those were exactly what made their characters very true to life in my opinion.
Well, I will not go into details about the plot. I think this is the book that you need to read it for yourself.
Anyway, I would be less than honest if I said that I enjoyed every aspect of this one. There were parts where I felt meh about and I think the story dragged a bit in some parts too. But aside from those, I can wholeheartedly say that it was a wonderful read for me.
All in all, I loved this book, despite the minor problems I had with it. If you are a fan of slow-burn romance, then you shouldn’t miss out on this one. It’s definitely worth reading!
“I thought I was an adult. I thought taking care of shit, being responsible made me a man—but I was wrong. You did…loving you made a man out of me.”
I was speechless. Wow. This book.
It was such a pleasant surprise! I enjoyed it immensely. This one had so many things I love in my romance read:
- brooding hero
- strong heroine
- interesting supporting characters
- nice storyline
- heart-wrenching drama
- steamy, passionate romance
- no cheating
- wonderful epilogue
I loved how the author created the characters whom I wanted to know more about straight away. But I have to admit that I wasn’t much impressed with Calvin and Camilla’s first time meeting. Cal was rude and Cam was too hot-headed for my liking. But the more I read, the more they grew on me. I found that there was more to their characters than meets the eye. Cam was kind, strong, and reasonable, and she could be very sweet at times. And for Cal, I liked his persistence (which really did work for me in this case) and how he cared about her. And oh, don’t forget about his protectiveness and possessiveness! Those are my kryptonite! *swoon*
I adored these two despite their flaws. Of course, they weren’t perfect. They made mistakes, bad decisions, and wrong choices. But they learned from them. And all of those were exactly what made their characters very true to life in my opinion.
Well, I will not go into details about the plot. I think this is the book that you need to read it for yourself.
Anyway, I would be less than honest if I said that I enjoyed every aspect of this one. There were parts where I felt meh about and I think the story dragged a bit in some parts too. But aside from those, I can wholeheartedly say that it was a wonderful read for me.
All in all, I loved this book, despite the minor problems I had with it. If you are a fan of slow-burn romance, then you shouldn’t miss out on this one. It’s definitely worth reading!
March 26, 2021
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a fun read. It is slow burn, which isn’t my favorite — but I didn’t find that all that bad tbh. I liked their connection and the build up to more. I struggled with connecting with the H and I think that was because we don’t get his POV. My biggest issue is with the last quarter or so of the book. It is a pet peeve of mine and I’m sure it won’t be an issue for everyone else, but it bugged me. BIG SPOILER*. I just think this is a big issue that someone (especially with what he did to prevent it) doesn’t just snap and get over with a complete 180. I also was frustrated that we don’t get that much time with them as an actual couple, since it was one that has them resolve their conflict then goes almost directly into the jump ahead epilogue. Overall, I enjoyed it but I didn’t love it — but it was awesome as a freebie (that I snagged a while ago)!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Camilla and Calvin’s story. Camilla has been down on her luck since her husband died and left her world a mess ~3 years prior. When she is given the opportunity to work for the famous NFL quarterback taking care of his nephew, she has to give in regardless of their bumpy start. Calvin is still bitter from his divorce and really doesn’t want a relationship, so he takes it farther and proposes a fake relationship to keep people away from both of them that turns into more. There are some sweet moments with the boy, some cute banter, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Camilla’s POV (extended epilogue in Calvin’s POV)
Overall Pace of Story: Good (until end). I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No, more like a hate-to-love or fake-relationship-to-more type scenario.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Calvin. He was alright. I didn’t fully connect with him and I think it’s because we don’t get his POV.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Camilla. I liked her. She was a good mix of strong and vulnerable.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not very many scenes and not so much it takes away from the story. Slow burn as they aren’t intimate until 76% in my kindle app.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No, some mild jealousy
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This gives us a good epilogue that was cute and full of concrete closure with a HEA.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was a fun read. It is slow burn, which isn’t my favorite — but I didn’t find that all that bad tbh. I liked their connection and the build up to more. I struggled with connecting with the H and I think that was because we don’t get his POV. My biggest issue is with the last quarter or so of the book. It is a pet peeve of mine and I’m sure it won’t be an issue for everyone else, but it bugged me. BIG SPOILER*. I just think this is a big issue that someone (especially with what he did to prevent it) doesn’t just snap and get over with a complete 180. I also was frustrated that we don’t get that much time with them as an actual couple, since it was one that has them resolve their conflict then goes almost directly into the jump ahead epilogue. Overall, I enjoyed it but I didn’t love it — but it was awesome as a freebie (that I snagged a while ago)!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Camilla and Calvin’s story. Camilla has been down on her luck since her husband died and left her world a mess ~3 years prior. When she is given the opportunity to work for the famous NFL quarterback taking care of his nephew, she has to give in regardless of their bumpy start. Calvin is still bitter from his divorce and really doesn’t want a relationship, so he takes it farther and proposes a fake relationship to keep people away from both of them that turns into more. There are some sweet moments with the boy, some cute banter, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Camilla’s POV (extended epilogue in Calvin’s POV)
Overall Pace of Story: Good (until end). I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No, more like a hate-to-love or fake-relationship-to-more type scenario.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Calvin. He was alright. I didn’t fully connect with him and I think it’s because we don’t get his POV.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Camilla. I liked her. She was a good mix of strong and vulnerable.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not very many scenes and not so much it takes away from the story. Slow burn as they aren’t intimate until 76% in my kindle app.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No, some mild jealousy
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This gives us a good epilogue that was cute and full of concrete closure with a HEA.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
September 21, 2017
Check out this and my other reviews at My Blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter and Pinterest
Copy received from netgalley in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - Stand Alone
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 4.5 stars
★Review★
You know when you are reading a book, then you finish it, and wish you had not read it at all to begin with, JUST so you can go back and read it all brand new for the very first time again!
Well that was this book. As I was reading it, I was loving it and loving moving on in the story, but at the same time, looking at my kindle, and thinking "ok, I am 40% through, I still have 60% of good book to go"........or "right, I am 70% though, that is still 30% of book left, 30 is a lot"
That was this book.
We all know, grumpy, sulky mean guys, yet hiding a secret pain are my faves!! Especially when they have no issue with stripping down!
It was a slow burn, from dislike to friendship to love, and it just worked so so beautifully.
I loved the heroine, she was a strong character and stood up for herself. Adored her best friend, hope she gets a book.
And the hero, as i said above, I love a grumpy hero and watching the big lumbering grumps fall in love.
For the story itself between the main characters, it was better than 5 stars. It was well paced and heartwarming and beautiful to read.
However, overall, a couple of little things just stopped it shy of 5 stars overall. The situation with the nephew - to start it felt like it was being strongly implied he came from a rather abusive background, the heroine falls in love with the kid, and yet, his mom comes back, and despite how the hero has talked about her, or to her on the phone, or even how he was with the nephew to begin, they apparently have a really strong loving sisterly/brotherly bond. It just jarred a bit, given how it had been up till then. And once they are gone, pretty much no mention is made of the kid again despite the heroine apparently having loved him so much. And overall the ending felt rushed.
However, this is a book I can see re reading again and again, and of you are a fan of slow burns, then it is one of the better ones!!
21/09/2017 - re read before reading book 2. Love Cal just as much if not more!
Copy received from netgalley in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - Stand Alone
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 4.5 stars
★Review★
You know when you are reading a book, then you finish it, and wish you had not read it at all to begin with, JUST so you can go back and read it all brand new for the very first time again!
Well that was this book. As I was reading it, I was loving it and loving moving on in the story, but at the same time, looking at my kindle, and thinking "ok, I am 40% through, I still have 60% of good book to go"........or "right, I am 70% though, that is still 30% of book left, 30 is a lot"
That was this book.
We all know, grumpy, sulky mean guys, yet hiding a secret pain are my faves!! Especially when they have no issue with stripping down!
It was a slow burn, from dislike to friendship to love, and it just worked so so beautifully.
I loved the heroine, she was a strong character and stood up for herself. Adored her best friend, hope she gets a book.
And the hero, as i said above, I love a grumpy hero and watching the big lumbering grumps fall in love.
For the story itself between the main characters, it was better than 5 stars. It was well paced and heartwarming and beautiful to read.
However, overall, a couple of little things just stopped it shy of 5 stars overall. The situation with the nephew - to start it felt like it was being strongly implied he came from a rather abusive background, the heroine falls in love with the kid, and yet, his mom comes back, and despite how the hero has talked about her, or to her on the phone, or even how he was with the nephew to begin, they apparently have a really strong loving sisterly/brotherly bond. It just jarred a bit, given how it had been up till then. And once they are gone, pretty much no mention is made of the kid again despite the heroine apparently having loved him so much. And overall the ending felt rushed.
However, this is a book I can see re reading again and again, and of you are a fan of slow burns, then it is one of the better ones!!
21/09/2017 - re read before reading book 2. Love Cal just as much if not more!
October 23, 2018
Only 99 cents if you haven't read it do it now!!
https://www.amazon.com/Wrecking-Ball-...
🔥5 AMAZING Stars🔥
I'm wondering why I haven't read this book sooner, it was awesome.I fall in love with everything in Wrecking Ball.P. Dangelico delivers a refreshing,sweet and intense story.
One of the best parts in this story is the romance and the characters who rocked this story.The romance is slow burn and it's one of the best I have read.Camilla and Calvin are realistic and I love the bond they create.Nobody is perfect and both have their issues.At the beginning Calvin was an asshole but once we know him better he is amazing.I loved him, he is swoon worthy,protective,intense and sexy.
I can't wait to start the next book!
https://www.amazon.com/Wrecking-Ball-...
🔥5 AMAZING Stars🔥
I'm wondering why I haven't read this book sooner, it was awesome.I fall in love with everything in Wrecking Ball.P. Dangelico delivers a refreshing,sweet and intense story.
One of the best parts in this story is the romance and the characters who rocked this story.The romance is slow burn and it's one of the best I have read.Camilla and Calvin are realistic and I love the bond they create.Nobody is perfect and both have their issues.At the beginning Calvin was an asshole but once we know him better he is amazing.I loved him, he is swoon worthy,protective,intense and sexy.
I can't wait to start the next book!
November 14, 2018
***4,5 "Boobear" stars***
This was a very refreshing reading!!! And I enjoyed it way too much...
I had such a long time to feel that way while I was reading a book....
It was captivating, funny, full of angst and soooo sexy in a not sexy way!!!!
Am I confusing you???
Let me take the things from the beginning...
Camilla's life couldn't be nothing less than a train wreck...
She lost her husband, her job, her house and her dignity!!!
And that led her to work for Mr. Shaw, the QB of the Titans.... But believe me when I'm saying that it took many efforts and lots of funny moments for her and Calvin to come to an arrangement.... And why 's that???
Because of a very nasty comment that he did the first day that he saw her.... Yep, Camilla lost almost all her life, but she still had her pride and she couldn't tolerate from this caveman to talk about her like that!!!!
‘I’m offering you the job.’
‘Thanks, but no thanks.’
‘No? What do you mean no?’
‘No as in denial, refusal, an explicit rejection. If you’ve never heard the word before, let me be the one to introduce you.’
Calvin Shaw was antisocial and uncivilized.... something that is very strange in his position and with his fame!!!! He doesn't want to do anything with women since his ex wife betrayed him in an ugly way. The only thing he cared was his career and nothing more....
Unfortunately, his nephew is staying with him and he needs a tutor for the boy... But that tutor had to be tough for putting up with him and with his awful,crumpy attitude!!!
And this person came in the form of Camilla DeSantis and her sassy mouth...
“What exactly is your diabolical master plan?” I say, going on with a full-on scathing sarcasm.
“You come with me everywhere I go and pretend to be my girlfriend.”
“And I get?”
“Money and protection”
“I wasn’t aware I joined the Cosa Nostra.”
As you can realize, Camilla and Calvin had a tough start full of nasty and ugly moments (which was really funny for the reader!!!), but as the time is passing by, they are starting to get to know each other and to understand better....
The relation is being redeemed and it's becoming a friendship.... A friendship with too much sexual tension...
Both of them, doesn't need someone in their life, especially after their bad experiences, but how you can control the heart matters??? They can hit you like a wrecking ball!!!!
“Doesn’t matter. Everything south of the border is dead. My cooch is broken.”
Snorting, Amber replies, “Your cooch is not broken. It’s just…taking a refreshing nap, waiting for a hot as fudge babymaker to come along.”
“No thanks. Any kids that man manages to spawn will be mini Shreks.”
“Grumpy and cute?”
“Yup.”
“I like Shrek.”
With a huff, I grumble, “So do I.”
I loved Camilla very much....
She was a little bit crazy, very sassy and she could do anything that she put on her mind... I loved the way she got closer both to Sam and Calvin.
Honestly, she was so delightful when she was giving shit to Calvin!!!! I loved her raw honesty very much....
Cam had been betrayed in an ugly way and it was totally understandable that she had lost her faith to men... She knew what she wanted and she wasn't backing down to anything.
"I’m way too defeated and vulnerable to defend myself from his searching gaze. If he were to look into my eyes now he would read every thought I own.
That I’m lonely.
That I’m so grateful for him.
That I’m in serious danger of falling in love…God help me."
I also loved Calvin, even though the man was for many punches especially in the beginning...
He was like a wild animal and he wasn't thinking before he opened up his filthy mouth.
He was literally a wild beast, but then he opened up to Cam and i totally understand him, even though his stubborness was giving me a headache...
He didn't want anything to do with the opposite genre and that was a little bit... strange!!! LOL
“When I saw you that day staring back at me with those big brown eyes––you hit me like a wrecking ball…I panicked.”
Those two together were so hot and delightful...
The bickering between them was so fun to witness... Their hot moments were absolutely stunning and their real moments were so beautiful...
I loved the pace that the author choose to settle in here.... It felt more authentic!!!!
But i still have some objections and that's why i didn't put a 5 star rating... The things were moving in a very believable pace, but near to the end, the things were moving really, really fast.... Not so much between them, but between of what they wanted and what they were demanding from the other part and that messed it up a little bit for me...
"“You wreck me…every time I look at you.” He searches my face to see the effects of his words. The effect is that I can’t see the beginning or end of my love for him, it’s a constant never-ending thing. How did this happen? How did we get here? Not too long ago we were barely able to tolerate each other. He snuck up on me. This sex on a stick, six foot four, two hundred and thirty pound man, has snuck up on me and stole my heart."
Beyond Camilla and Calvin, i have to say that this book had many awesome secondary characters...
First of all, i loved Sam... He was such a sweetheart!!!
Ethan was a wonderful guy.... I need his story and i preffer to be with Amber who was such a kick ass chic!!!!
Also, the DeSantis parents were amazing people and the same goes for Mercedes....
Well, i can't wait to hold in my hands the next story of this series!!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
This was a very refreshing reading!!! And I enjoyed it way too much...
I had such a long time to feel that way while I was reading a book....
It was captivating, funny, full of angst and soooo sexy in a not sexy way!!!!
Am I confusing you???
Let me take the things from the beginning...
Camilla's life couldn't be nothing less than a train wreck...
She lost her husband, her job, her house and her dignity!!!
And that led her to work for Mr. Shaw, the QB of the Titans.... But believe me when I'm saying that it took many efforts and lots of funny moments for her and Calvin to come to an arrangement.... And why 's that???
Because of a very nasty comment that he did the first day that he saw her.... Yep, Camilla lost almost all her life, but she still had her pride and she couldn't tolerate from this caveman to talk about her like that!!!!
‘I’m offering you the job.’
‘Thanks, but no thanks.’
‘No? What do you mean no?’
‘No as in denial, refusal, an explicit rejection. If you’ve never heard the word before, let me be the one to introduce you.’
Calvin Shaw was antisocial and uncivilized.... something that is very strange in his position and with his fame!!!! He doesn't want to do anything with women since his ex wife betrayed him in an ugly way. The only thing he cared was his career and nothing more....
Unfortunately, his nephew is staying with him and he needs a tutor for the boy... But that tutor had to be tough for putting up with him and with his awful,crumpy attitude!!!
And this person came in the form of Camilla DeSantis and her sassy mouth...
“What exactly is your diabolical master plan?” I say, going on with a full-on scathing sarcasm.
“You come with me everywhere I go and pretend to be my girlfriend.”
“And I get?”
“Money and protection”
“I wasn’t aware I joined the Cosa Nostra.”
As you can realize, Camilla and Calvin had a tough start full of nasty and ugly moments (which was really funny for the reader!!!), but as the time is passing by, they are starting to get to know each other and to understand better....
The relation is being redeemed and it's becoming a friendship.... A friendship with too much sexual tension...
Both of them, doesn't need someone in their life, especially after their bad experiences, but how you can control the heart matters??? They can hit you like a wrecking ball!!!!
“Doesn’t matter. Everything south of the border is dead. My cooch is broken.”
Snorting, Amber replies, “Your cooch is not broken. It’s just…taking a refreshing nap, waiting for a hot as fudge babymaker to come along.”
“No thanks. Any kids that man manages to spawn will be mini Shreks.”
“Grumpy and cute?”
“Yup.”
“I like Shrek.”
With a huff, I grumble, “So do I.”
I loved Camilla very much....
She was a little bit crazy, very sassy and she could do anything that she put on her mind... I loved the way she got closer both to Sam and Calvin.
Honestly, she was so delightful when she was giving shit to Calvin!!!! I loved her raw honesty very much....
Cam had been betrayed in an ugly way and it was totally understandable that she had lost her faith to men... She knew what she wanted and she wasn't backing down to anything.
"I’m way too defeated and vulnerable to defend myself from his searching gaze. If he were to look into my eyes now he would read every thought I own.
That I’m lonely.
That I’m so grateful for him.
That I’m in serious danger of falling in love…God help me."
I also loved Calvin, even though the man was for many punches especially in the beginning...
He was like a wild animal and he wasn't thinking before he opened up his filthy mouth.
He was literally a wild beast, but then he opened up to Cam and i totally understand him, even though his stubborness was giving me a headache...
He didn't want anything to do with the opposite genre and that was a little bit... strange!!! LOL
“When I saw you that day staring back at me with those big brown eyes––you hit me like a wrecking ball…I panicked.”
Those two together were so hot and delightful...
The bickering between them was so fun to witness... Their hot moments were absolutely stunning and their real moments were so beautiful...
I loved the pace that the author choose to settle in here.... It felt more authentic!!!!
But i still have some objections and that's why i didn't put a 5 star rating... The things were moving in a very believable pace, but near to the end, the things were moving really, really fast.... Not so much between them, but between of what they wanted and what they were demanding from the other part and that messed it up a little bit for me...
"“You wreck me…every time I look at you.” He searches my face to see the effects of his words. The effect is that I can’t see the beginning or end of my love for him, it’s a constant never-ending thing. How did this happen? How did we get here? Not too long ago we were barely able to tolerate each other. He snuck up on me. This sex on a stick, six foot four, two hundred and thirty pound man, has snuck up on me and stole my heart."
Beyond Camilla and Calvin, i have to say that this book had many awesome secondary characters...
First of all, i loved Sam... He was such a sweetheart!!!
Ethan was a wonderful guy.... I need his story and i preffer to be with Amber who was such a kick ass chic!!!!
Also, the DeSantis parents were amazing people and the same goes for Mercedes....
Well, i can't wait to hold in my hands the next story of this series!!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
January 30, 2019
4 stars!
I have to admit, I put off reading this book forever because every single time I read the title I saw this:
But after some urging from a friend of mine I decided to give it a chance and found I couldn't put it down!!
Wrecking Ball is the story of Cam, a widow with a mountain of problems left to her from her husband who passed, and who is desperate for a job. Here comes in a temporary solution, teach and care for quarterback Calvin's nephew for the next three months and A LOT of money. Problem? Said quarterback is a jerk!
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would so I'm glad I gave it a chance. Don't be fooled by the title, this is a book with a lot of heart and great character development. I enjoyed the banter between Calvin and Cam and I loved Cam's relationship with her student Sam. I would very much like to see him again and see how he grows.
There are some flaws, issues that from the beginning of the novel seemed to just disappear and changes in personal views that didn't feel hashed out. But overall I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
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I have to admit, I put off reading this book forever because every single time I read the title I saw this:
But after some urging from a friend of mine I decided to give it a chance and found I couldn't put it down!!
Wrecking Ball is the story of Cam, a widow with a mountain of problems left to her from her husband who passed, and who is desperate for a job. Here comes in a temporary solution, teach and care for quarterback Calvin's nephew for the next three months and A LOT of money. Problem? Said quarterback is a jerk!
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would so I'm glad I gave it a chance. Don't be fooled by the title, this is a book with a lot of heart and great character development. I enjoyed the banter between Calvin and Cam and I loved Cam's relationship with her student Sam. I would very much like to see him again and see how he grows.
There are some flaws, issues that from the beginning of the novel seemed to just disappear and changes in personal views that didn't feel hashed out. But overall I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
Follow me on ♥ Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥
May 25, 2021
HA! I’m back!
This was hilarious. The writing style was great, in was only one POV which was a bit weird after reading so many dual POV books, but the girl was funny as hell and I loved her inner monologues.
Sports (although sports only make appearance the last 20ish percent), second chance, enemies to lovers, fake dating, you name it, it was it. More on the slowburn side of romance, so don’t expect steaming hot scenes all over the book.
I loved both Cal and Cam (I know, I know 🙄) but obviously, you know me too well to know I just can’t with a broody almost mute Hero with a permanent frown and loads of hair on his face/head.
All is well my friends, I’m happy again ❤️🤣
This was hilarious. The writing style was great, in was only one POV which was a bit weird after reading so many dual POV books, but the girl was funny as hell and I loved her inner monologues.
Sports (although sports only make appearance the last 20ish percent), second chance, enemies to lovers, fake dating, you name it, it was it. More on the slowburn side of romance, so don’t expect steaming hot scenes all over the book.
I loved both Cal and Cam (I know, I know 🙄) but obviously, you know me too well to know I just can’t with a broody almost mute Hero with a permanent frown and loads of hair on his face/head.
All is well my friends, I’m happy again ❤️🤣
May 28, 2017
4.5 Color Me Surprised Stars
He snuck up on me, this sex on a stick, six foot four, two hundred and thirty pound man, snuck up on me and stole my heart.
Just like Cal's pure awesomeness snuck up on Camilla, this wonderful book snuck up on me.
When I first started Wrecking Ball, I was looking for a snarky good time for the most part. What I ended up getting was so much more. Camilla and Calvin had both been broken by love and neither was willing to put their heart on the line again. You know what they say about best laid plans and all that jazz and before long these two are throwing off some major sparks. If only they'd pull their heads out long enough to realize they're perfect together.
This story is told entirely in Cam's POV and while I normally like to get both main characters thoughts whenever possible, the writing made it perfectly clear Mr. Quarterback hottie was falling for Cam just as hard as she was falling for him.
As much as I enjoyed Wrecking Ball, I enjoyed the fact I discovered a new to me author even more. Now I have Amber and Ethan's story to look forward to and let me tell you, it can't find its way to my kindle soon enough.
He snuck up on me, this sex on a stick, six foot four, two hundred and thirty pound man, snuck up on me and stole my heart.
Just like Cal's pure awesomeness snuck up on Camilla, this wonderful book snuck up on me.
When I first started Wrecking Ball, I was looking for a snarky good time for the most part. What I ended up getting was so much more. Camilla and Calvin had both been broken by love and neither was willing to put their heart on the line again. You know what they say about best laid plans and all that jazz and before long these two are throwing off some major sparks. If only they'd pull their heads out long enough to realize they're perfect together.
This story is told entirely in Cam's POV and while I normally like to get both main characters thoughts whenever possible, the writing made it perfectly clear Mr. Quarterback hottie was falling for Cam just as hard as she was falling for him.
As much as I enjoyed Wrecking Ball, I enjoyed the fact I discovered a new to me author even more. Now I have Amber and Ethan's story to look forward to and let me tell you, it can't find its way to my kindle soon enough.
March 5, 2024
I burnt through this read in five hours on holiday. It delivered on the buzz I’ve heard about it.
Sports romance ✔️
Hate-love ✔️
Slow burn ✔️
The chemistry burnt with a fiery hue and petting, why isn’t there more petting in books? The storyline was superb. I loved everything about it and I’ll be re-reading it.
Re-read March 2019 and I loved every bit as much. This book gives me the feels unlike many others.
Re-read audio March 2024
Sports romance ✔️
Hate-love ✔️
Slow burn ✔️
The chemistry burnt with a fiery hue and petting, why isn’t there more petting in books? The storyline was superb. I loved everything about it and I’ll be re-reading it.
Re-read March 2019 and I loved every bit as much. This book gives me the feels unlike many others.
Re-read audio March 2024
November 21, 2017
I just found another author I want to stalk. P. Dangelico has created one hell of a slow burn with Wrecking Ball. I dived in without any expectations and boy oh boy did she deliver. Camilla is freaking awesome. What a woman. My kind of woman who doesn’t take crap from anyone and stands up for herself. Especially with that infamous cow remark. Also she’s so funny. She and her best friend Amber were fantastic and made me smile numerous times.
Calvin Shaw you brooding, yummy and closed off man. You made me swoon. You gave me goosebumps with your words and actions.
I enjoyed every moment of Wrecking Ball thanks to some wonderful and well developed characters. The tension between Cam and Cal was delicious and I loved how they went from enemies to friends then lovers. The pace was spot on which allowed their feelings to grow and evolve as did my connection to them.
Cam’s friend Amber made an impression on me so much that I can’t wait to read her book.
4 BadAssDirtyChampStars
Calvin Shaw you brooding, yummy and closed off man. You made me swoon. You gave me goosebumps with your words and actions.
I enjoyed every moment of Wrecking Ball thanks to some wonderful and well developed characters. The tension between Cam and Cal was delicious and I loved how they went from enemies to friends then lovers. The pace was spot on which allowed their feelings to grow and evolve as did my connection to them.
Cam’s friend Amber made an impression on me so much that I can’t wait to read her book.
4 BadAssDirtyChampStars
November 1, 2020
Why did it feel like I read The Wall of Winnipeg and Me with different names and an eight year old as a plot device?
July 29, 2019
First read: 03/2017
Re-read: 07.2019
Yep, still very much in love with this book the second time around. Cam and Cal's chemistry is freaking insane.
-----------------------------------------------
Ladies and Gentleman, may I present to you: Camilla, the perfect female lead.
There are so many authors out there who may have the right intention of creating a strong and willful heroine, but end up making her bitchy and obstinate instead. Not Paola Dangelico, though.
Camilla was truly amazing. Proud, mature, sarcastic, vulnerable and affectionate, all mixed up in a perfect blend. I've developed a serious girl-crush on her and I'm not ashamed to admit so!
But, I digress.
Let me tell you, this series's name doesn't fit at all. For me, this book was impossible not to love, since it has...
...a great heroine (already established that)
I give a single shit who pays my salary. As long as he isn't a white supremacist, pedophile, who likes to kick puppies in the head for fun, and has ties to ISIS, I am good to go.
...a sexy-as-sin alpha hero who takes the silent brooding thing on a whole new level
Now more at ease, Calvin nods and smiles at me. Yes, smiles. No teeth, but it's definitely a smile. It's like a sighting of Bigfoot. I'm momentarily stunned.
...awesome secondary characters (I can't tell you how excited I am that the next book in this series will be about Amber and Fancy McButterPants)
"If he hurts you so help me God they'll find him floating on the Hudson river in five separate coolers."
That's Amber for you. Girlfriend always has my Back.
...a torturously slow-moving romance with so much tension it'll make your head spin
Slay me now. Just put me out of my misery. It feels like I just stepped on a land mine called Calvin Shaw and he's blown my poor tender heart to smithereens.
... hilarious banter
"You don't like my beard."
"I'm sure the vermin that call it home luv it."
...and, to top it all off, an engaging style of writing.
So yeah, guess I'm a fan girl now.
ARC provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2017
I discovered P. Dangelico completely by accident and I am so glad that I did. The timing was absolutely perfect because I was looking for a light, fun read and she delivered in spades. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I dislike reading in 1st person but I am absolutely 100% head over heels in love with this author's storytelling. I couldn't put this book down and to say I adored EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER in the book would be an ENORMOUS understatement. I am very much looking forward to the second installment of this series and anything else this author has to offer. #fanforlife
September 9, 2017
3.5 Pretty cute
It wasn't a bad read by any means, it was actually pretty decent, for a romance book.
The characters had their sweet moment and I enjoyed how their relationship evolved, I actually felt something while reading this book (YAY ME!).
It wasn't a bad read by any means, it was actually pretty decent, for a romance book.
The characters had their sweet moment and I enjoyed how their relationship evolved, I actually felt something while reading this book (YAY ME!).
August 22, 2018
6 oh my god loved stars
Wrecking Ball was crazy good! It took me by surprised and oh my goodness I couldn’t get enough of this book. It’s a good book when you read it slowly and savor every word because you never wanted to end.
I do have one gripe. I don’t believe the cover matched the book or the title. I get it, you have to make sales and nothing makes a better sale than a half naked guy, BUT I just don’t see how it fit the theme and tone of the book. Also that’s not the guy that’s in the book, BUT that’s just me and it’s okay I still loved the read.
Wrecking Ball is a slow burn novel but the sexual tension was off the charts hot!
Calvin is in the NFL and he is taking care of his nephew for a few months. He needs a teacher and caretaker for his nephew.
I love Calvin. He’s such a brute. You don’t really understand him and that’s what I love. He’s a good guy, but he just doesn’t know how to show it.
Cam has been dealt with a bad hand of cards. She’s a widow and the world hates her. Her husband’s crime has followed her and she’s just trying to move past all of that. I really liked Cam’s story. I found it very unique and it just made you feel so bad for her.
Calvin hires Cam to take care of his nephew and that’s when all the fun begins! I love love love the tension between the two and that clearly makes the book so darn good. The book is so adorable, witty and I love the way Cam react towards Calvin.
The best part of the book is the witty dialogue. It’s just too cute and I had a grin on my face the entire time! Gah. P. Dangelico is now one of my favorite authors.
Wrecking Ball was crazy good! It took me by surprised and oh my goodness I couldn’t get enough of this book. It’s a good book when you read it slowly and savor every word because you never wanted to end.
I do have one gripe. I don’t believe the cover matched the book or the title. I get it, you have to make sales and nothing makes a better sale than a half naked guy, BUT I just don’t see how it fit the theme and tone of the book. Also that’s not the guy that’s in the book, BUT that’s just me and it’s okay I still loved the read.
Wrecking Ball is a slow burn novel but the sexual tension was off the charts hot!
Calvin is in the NFL and he is taking care of his nephew for a few months. He needs a teacher and caretaker for his nephew.
I love Calvin. He’s such a brute. You don’t really understand him and that’s what I love. He’s a good guy, but he just doesn’t know how to show it.
Cam has been dealt with a bad hand of cards. She’s a widow and the world hates her. Her husband’s crime has followed her and she’s just trying to move past all of that. I really liked Cam’s story. I found it very unique and it just made you feel so bad for her.
Calvin hires Cam to take care of his nephew and that’s when all the fun begins! I love love love the tension between the two and that clearly makes the book so darn good. The book is so adorable, witty and I love the way Cam react towards Calvin.
The best part of the book is the witty dialogue. It’s just too cute and I had a grin on my face the entire time! Gah. P. Dangelico is now one of my favorite authors.
February 16, 2019
Wrecking Ball was recommended to me because I loved The Wall of Winnipeg so much, and I’m glad I didn’t pass it up. Whilst Wrecking Ball is a slow burn sports romance it totally told its own story.
The characters just worked for me. Their banter, their honesty with each other and also the fact that Cam didn’t take the crap that Caleb dished out. I love how that woke him the hell up. I do like a slow burn romance, but it needs to be done well. Wrecking Ball is one of those.
I’m on a winning streak with my reads and this one is no exception. I can’t wait for the next one.
4.5 stars
The characters just worked for me. Their banter, their honesty with each other and also the fact that Cam didn’t take the crap that Caleb dished out. I love how that woke him the hell up. I do like a slow burn romance, but it needs to be done well. Wrecking Ball is one of those.
I’m on a winning streak with my reads and this one is no exception. I can’t wait for the next one.
4.5 stars
dnf-i-skipped-the-whole-book
September 13, 2021dnf on hold whateva
all i remember is that he called her cow sjdhhdhdg
all i remember is that he called her cow sjdhhdhdg
November 30, 2020
Re read November 2020
What else should I say .... I am addicted to this book
I binge re read this book nothing to add except that
I will not quit this addiction 😘🥰
Re read 2019/09/03
Simply perfect
Fantastic couldn’t put down I loved Cam and Cal funny and steamy slow building love story
Re re re listened to 209:10/18
Never get enough of these two one of my favourite ever
What else should I say .... I am addicted to this book
I binge re read this book nothing to add except that
I will not quit this addiction 😘🥰
Re read 2019/09/03
Simply perfect
Fantastic couldn’t put down I loved Cam and Cal funny and steamy slow building love story
Re re re listened to 209:10/18
Never get enough of these two one of my favourite ever
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