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Draft Day
Tyler
I’m riding high. A successful college football career means I’m about to sign with the NFL―and I have all the women I want.
When Deja shows up at my football practice, I’m shocked at the changes in her. When we were in foster care as kids, I always protected her, and she needs me more than ever.
I’m determined to take care of her―but will I be forced to choose between her and my career?
Deja
Tyler was the only real bright spot in my life growing up. Maybe I don’t deserve to be in his life anymore, but turning to him when I hit rock bottom is the only choice that makes sense.
I can’t help wanting more from him than friendship. He has the brightest future imaginable, and if I’m not careful, I could drag him down with me.
He’s like a beacon lighting my way to a better path… if I can find the strength to follow it. But will he be waiting for me when I get there?
Draft Day is a steamy standalone interracial football sports romance novel. It's only recommended for audiences 18+. No cheating. No cliffhangers. Guaranteed HEA.
I’m riding high. A successful college football career means I’m about to sign with the NFL―and I have all the women I want.
When Deja shows up at my football practice, I’m shocked at the changes in her. When we were in foster care as kids, I always protected her, and she needs me more than ever.
I’m determined to take care of her―but will I be forced to choose between her and my career?
Deja
Tyler was the only real bright spot in my life growing up. Maybe I don’t deserve to be in his life anymore, but turning to him when I hit rock bottom is the only choice that makes sense.
I can’t help wanting more from him than friendship. He has the brightest future imaginable, and if I’m not careful, I could drag him down with me.
He’s like a beacon lighting my way to a better path… if I can find the strength to follow it. But will he be waiting for me when I get there?
Draft Day is a steamy standalone interracial football sports romance novel. It's only recommended for audiences 18+. No cheating. No cliffhangers. Guaranteed HEA.
- GenresSportsContemporary
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2016
37 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 25, 2016
Tyler & Deja spent four year living in the same foster home & they were best-friends while they were there. Tyler always protected Deja from harm both inside their house & out. Five years later, Deja finds herself in another bad situation & not knowing what to do. She watches the evening news & sees a story about a local football player headed to the NFL draft. She immediately recognizes him as Tyler even though he has changed his name to TJ. The next day at football practice, the football players notice a pretty new girl sitting in the stands & comment about her. None of them seem to know her. When Tyler leaves the locker room later, he is confronted by the girl from the stands & realizes it is Deja. He helps her out by offer to let her stay at his place while she decides what she wants to do with herself. Things are not what they seem because Deja hides her problems. When Tyler's roommates start to point out that there are problems with Deja, it only makes Tyler more eager to help her. During the time Deja has been back in Tyler's life, his football performance has begun to suffer. While Tyler fights to help his childhood friend turned girlfriend by himself, a concerned person finally steps forward & offers to help with both Tyler & Deja with their problems. When draft day finally rolls around, Tyler wants two things. To be drafter by an NFL team & to have Deja there with him to share his dream.
My heart was touched by this story. I lived through the problems faced by Deja & know what it takes for someone to be able to come out on the other side. It is a journey that needs to be chosen in order for it to work. I believe that Toya King handled the difficulty of two young people facing alcoholism in a very real way. It is not an easy road to walk down for anyone & to have the guts to write about it the way she does is commendable. The story touches on how it is so easy to let where we came from dictate who we become. It takes a great deal of growing up & willingness to be honest with yourself to get past the scars of childhood. This story takes you through those struggles with the two main characters. I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to read this book. This books is meant for mature readers.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
My heart was touched by this story. I lived through the problems faced by Deja & know what it takes for someone to be able to come out on the other side. It is a journey that needs to be chosen in order for it to work. I believe that Toya King handled the difficulty of two young people facing alcoholism in a very real way. It is not an easy road to walk down for anyone & to have the guts to write about it the way she does is commendable. The story touches on how it is so easy to let where we came from dictate who we become. It takes a great deal of growing up & willingness to be honest with yourself to get past the scars of childhood. This story takes you through those struggles with the two main characters. I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to read this book. This books is meant for mature readers.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
March 17, 2019
This story turned out to be WAY more than meets the eye. I don't even know what I expected, but it wasn't this much depth and truth, for sure. I was swept into the twists and turns of the story that are very familiar to me. Addiction is very real in my world. It's a disease that can grab a hold of a person and choke the life right out of them. Deja Jones almost had the life sucked out of her .... until T.J. Hunter came back into her life :)
Deja and Tyler grew up in the foster care system. Tyler was her protector back then and would become her champion now. The connection they had as teenagers was an unbreakable bond. It was kismet. It didn't matter the struggle, their bond never wavered. I won't say it was easy, far from it, but this story .... this story is real. The depth of emotion jumps off the pages. The struggle is felt thru the words. As the plot unfolds, you feel yourself walking the journey with them. MAD PROPS to Toya King ~ excellent story of friendship and struggle and growth and commitment!
Copy provided for blog tour
Deja and Tyler grew up in the foster care system. Tyler was her protector back then and would become her champion now. The connection they had as teenagers was an unbreakable bond. It was kismet. It didn't matter the struggle, their bond never wavered. I won't say it was easy, far from it, but this story .... this story is real. The depth of emotion jumps off the pages. The struggle is felt thru the words. As the plot unfolds, you feel yourself walking the journey with them. MAD PROPS to Toya King ~ excellent story of friendship and struggle and growth and commitment!
Copy provided for blog tour
December 26, 2016
3.5 stars!
Good book, better than I expected! I found Deja annoying and ungrateful. If anything I found that she added to the sterotype of black women. Over all tge writing was realky good and I liked the secondary charcter and the hero.
Good book, better than I expected! I found Deja annoying and ungrateful. If anything I found that she added to the sterotype of black women. Over all tge writing was realky good and I liked the secondary charcter and the hero.
December 26, 2016
Fans of sports-themed romances will find themselves quickly consumed by the complex connection between two kids who grew up in the foster care system. The years they've been apart have taken them in dramatically different directions but fate has brought them back together at a time that will define them both. With one on the cusp of fame and the other almost at rock bottom theirs is a connection that's intense and full of highs and lows that will keep readers on edge rooting for them to find HEA.
When Tyler's parents died in his early teens he found himself lost and alone in the world of foster care. It was a time that left him with nothing but that which he worked long and hard to get. He knew what it was like to have nothing and swore his life would be different one day, but amidst all his unhappiness and desperation there was one bright spot...his foster sister Deja. Her toughness and sweetness drew him to her and had him protecting her from the danger their foster father presented until the day he aged out of the system. He's tried to forget those tough times, moved on in a focused attempt to make it in the NFL, until the day Deja shows up again in need of saving. His focus soon starts slipping as he gets caught up in her self-destructive nature, his need to be the one person to support her, and his realization that he loves her. With him hanging on to his future by his fingertips, hard decisions will have to be made if both of them hope to succeed. The decisions made, and the journey they're on, is a gut wrenching one full of heartbreak and frustration but through it all Tyler remained the quintessential hero. Even as a teen he understood the danger to Deja and put his life on the line to keep her safe every night. He's a hard worker with strong personal ethics that drive him to protect the weak. He values what he owns and isn't near as arrogant as his teammates. He's the kind of young man others look up to and women want as he treats them with kindness. He's been holding back though when it comes to relationships, keeping everything casual as he focuses on his future in the NFL. There's an even bigger reason he's held back though and it has to do with his unforgettable connection to Deja. She knows him like no other, the REAL him he's kept hidden all these years and it makes for a combustible relationship that quickly consumes him. From the highs of their burgeoning relationship to the lows of her alcoholism he soon finds himself at a crossroads that had me aching for his future right alongside him as he desperately tried to be the man Deja needed.
Deja never knew love as a child as her mother walked away when she was practically a baby and her father died committing a robbery. From that moment she discovered that love was fleeting and not something to count on. The only person to prove her wrong was Tyler who took the time to get to know her, to talk to her every night, and make her feel cared for. With fears over her foster father he came to her rescue like a white knight that stirred feelings in her that never went away...even after he did. Leaving foster care set her on a path of abuse from numerous men and an addiction to alcohol. She's on a self-destructive path, with stereotypical thoughts and deeds, which she brings to Tyler's doorstep just when he needs to be at his best. She brings chaos and anger, but also love and support to him, in a relationship that quickly and erotically evolves from friends to lovers. With her addiction raging out of control, and with hard truths being heard, she can no longer ignore her past and its affects on her in an ending that brought a tear to my eye. Deja had my emotions all over the place as I applauded her "telling it like it is" nature while feeling frustrated over her poor decision making. Many of her failures when it came to work and boyfriends were of her own making, a self-fulfilling prophecy to fail. Her love for Tyler was true, forged in her youth, but culminating as an adult which made me even angrier when she used that love to get him to help her over and over. I know that her actions were typical for abused women, and my personal familial connection to her issues probably had me judging her a bit more harshly, but it still left me frustrated as she was given so many chances to succeed and threw it all away. During her time with Tyler there were many instances that had me hating her but her sweetness, love for him, and desire to be the kind of woman he could be proud of had me rooting for her and their HEA. Ultimately she's a complex character desperate to be loved and valued who invites readers along on her very rocky journey that starts near the bottom to arrive at an ending that will leave readers satisfied.
This was an emotionally intense read that realistically depicted the fallout from years of domestic abuse on the psyche and it was very hard to read at times. Deja's alcoholism was also dealt with in vivid detail as it showed its affect on her in trying to function in the world as well as how it hurt the one closest to her as Tyler was dragged down into the gutter with her. These events had me judging Deja in a harsh light that marred my overall enjoyment of the story just a bit as I became physically exhausted trying to keep up with her (which is a credit to Ms. King's ability to show cold hard truths). Tyler's the perfect hero and the highlight of this story for me as he would've walked through fire for Deja. He's sweet, sexy, and his journey to the NFL had me on the edge of my seat and leading the cheer for his HEA. The world of college football was also well-depicted with all its inherent stress and competitiveness, but its inclusion shouldn't deter those who don't like sports-themed romances as the personal aspects of the story outweigh the action on the field. The friends to lovers theme is on prominent display in a relationship that starts off teeming with sexual tension and soon becomes erotically-charged. Along with two strong leads comes a small cast of secondary characters that also left me conflicted as one friend's jealous act put Tyler's future in jeopardy while his high school coach became the father he never had in actions that were heartwarming. Overall this was an unforgettable story dealing with difficult issues that pulled me in from the first page to the last!
When Tyler's parents died in his early teens he found himself lost and alone in the world of foster care. It was a time that left him with nothing but that which he worked long and hard to get. He knew what it was like to have nothing and swore his life would be different one day, but amidst all his unhappiness and desperation there was one bright spot...his foster sister Deja. Her toughness and sweetness drew him to her and had him protecting her from the danger their foster father presented until the day he aged out of the system. He's tried to forget those tough times, moved on in a focused attempt to make it in the NFL, until the day Deja shows up again in need of saving. His focus soon starts slipping as he gets caught up in her self-destructive nature, his need to be the one person to support her, and his realization that he loves her. With him hanging on to his future by his fingertips, hard decisions will have to be made if both of them hope to succeed. The decisions made, and the journey they're on, is a gut wrenching one full of heartbreak and frustration but through it all Tyler remained the quintessential hero. Even as a teen he understood the danger to Deja and put his life on the line to keep her safe every night. He's a hard worker with strong personal ethics that drive him to protect the weak. He values what he owns and isn't near as arrogant as his teammates. He's the kind of young man others look up to and women want as he treats them with kindness. He's been holding back though when it comes to relationships, keeping everything casual as he focuses on his future in the NFL. There's an even bigger reason he's held back though and it has to do with his unforgettable connection to Deja. She knows him like no other, the REAL him he's kept hidden all these years and it makes for a combustible relationship that quickly consumes him. From the highs of their burgeoning relationship to the lows of her alcoholism he soon finds himself at a crossroads that had me aching for his future right alongside him as he desperately tried to be the man Deja needed.
Deja never knew love as a child as her mother walked away when she was practically a baby and her father died committing a robbery. From that moment she discovered that love was fleeting and not something to count on. The only person to prove her wrong was Tyler who took the time to get to know her, to talk to her every night, and make her feel cared for. With fears over her foster father he came to her rescue like a white knight that stirred feelings in her that never went away...even after he did. Leaving foster care set her on a path of abuse from numerous men and an addiction to alcohol. She's on a self-destructive path, with stereotypical thoughts and deeds, which she brings to Tyler's doorstep just when he needs to be at his best. She brings chaos and anger, but also love and support to him, in a relationship that quickly and erotically evolves from friends to lovers. With her addiction raging out of control, and with hard truths being heard, she can no longer ignore her past and its affects on her in an ending that brought a tear to my eye. Deja had my emotions all over the place as I applauded her "telling it like it is" nature while feeling frustrated over her poor decision making. Many of her failures when it came to work and boyfriends were of her own making, a self-fulfilling prophecy to fail. Her love for Tyler was true, forged in her youth, but culminating as an adult which made me even angrier when she used that love to get him to help her over and over. I know that her actions were typical for abused women, and my personal familial connection to her issues probably had me judging her a bit more harshly, but it still left me frustrated as she was given so many chances to succeed and threw it all away. During her time with Tyler there were many instances that had me hating her but her sweetness, love for him, and desire to be the kind of woman he could be proud of had me rooting for her and their HEA. Ultimately she's a complex character desperate to be loved and valued who invites readers along on her very rocky journey that starts near the bottom to arrive at an ending that will leave readers satisfied.
This was an emotionally intense read that realistically depicted the fallout from years of domestic abuse on the psyche and it was very hard to read at times. Deja's alcoholism was also dealt with in vivid detail as it showed its affect on her in trying to function in the world as well as how it hurt the one closest to her as Tyler was dragged down into the gutter with her. These events had me judging Deja in a harsh light that marred my overall enjoyment of the story just a bit as I became physically exhausted trying to keep up with her (which is a credit to Ms. King's ability to show cold hard truths). Tyler's the perfect hero and the highlight of this story for me as he would've walked through fire for Deja. He's sweet, sexy, and his journey to the NFL had me on the edge of my seat and leading the cheer for his HEA. The world of college football was also well-depicted with all its inherent stress and competitiveness, but its inclusion shouldn't deter those who don't like sports-themed romances as the personal aspects of the story outweigh the action on the field. The friends to lovers theme is on prominent display in a relationship that starts off teeming with sexual tension and soon becomes erotically-charged. Along with two strong leads comes a small cast of secondary characters that also left me conflicted as one friend's jealous act put Tyler's future in jeopardy while his high school coach became the father he never had in actions that were heartwarming. Overall this was an unforgettable story dealing with difficult issues that pulled me in from the first page to the last!
December 27, 2016
This is my first book by this author. I believe this is her first book. I read this book with Kindle Unlimited.
This is Tyler and Deja's story. The couple knew each other in foster care and Tyler was Deja's protector. They lose contact when Tyler aged out the system. Deja's life spirals out of control without Tyler in her life. She sees Tyler on TV and decided to seek him out as she believes he can help as he did in the past.
For me this story was about unconditional love. Tyler loves Deja so much that he was prepared to throw away his future in order to be therefore her. He did not want her to feel abandoned and thrown away like she had done her whole life. Even though she would not help herself he still tried to be therefore her. As much as we want to criticise Deja we have to remember that she is an addict and addicts are selfish and only think about themselves, so I don't blame Deja for how she nearly derailed both of their lives.
This was a good sports romance. Definitely worth a read.
This is Tyler and Deja's story. The couple knew each other in foster care and Tyler was Deja's protector. They lose contact when Tyler aged out the system. Deja's life spirals out of control without Tyler in her life. She sees Tyler on TV and decided to seek him out as she believes he can help as he did in the past.
For me this story was about unconditional love. Tyler loves Deja so much that he was prepared to throw away his future in order to be therefore her. He did not want her to feel abandoned and thrown away like she had done her whole life. Even though she would not help herself he still tried to be therefore her. As much as we want to criticise Deja we have to remember that she is an addict and addicts are selfish and only think about themselves, so I don't blame Deja for how she nearly derailed both of their lives.
This was a good sports romance. Definitely worth a read.
December 26, 2016
Tyler and Deja grew up together in a foster home for 4 years. Tyler was her best friend and was always there to protect her. When Tyler got out of foster care he proceeded to go to college and make a name for himself on the college football team . He was on his way to the top. When Deja got out of foster care thing didn't go so well for her , she got mixed up with some of the wrong kinds of people. She ends up seeing tylers picture on tv and decides to leave her crappy boyfriend and life behind to go see if she can rekindle her friendship with Tyler. They both have some demons from the past to deal with before they can get a HEA.I'm not normally into reading sport romances but this book turned out pretty good.
December 23, 2016
This is a great sports romance. With a unique storyline that is different from all the other books that I've read and makes this story stands out to me. This is about 2 children in foster care that look out for each other until they move away. They loose touch as Tyler moves to go to college and leaves deja behind. Details finds herself in endless bad relationships and manages to reconnect with Tyler who helps her in her time of need and they both become stronger people because of it. There is a great connection between the characters. I would definitely recommend this book
December 28, 2016
4.5 Stars
I may be (almost) the ultimate couch potato but I love a good sports romance and this is exactly that!
Friends for a decade or should I say acquaintances because ea long time has passed since the time they spent together in the care system but Deja and Tyler may have drifted apart but that doesn’t mean that when help is required they won’t step up.
Their pasts are far from resolved and although they have both dealt with their situations in different ways, they are both still perfectly well aware of the connection that the time they spent in foster care has had on them.
Tyler is on his way to stardom, his football career is about to see him hit the NFL but after five years away from Deja, he knows that the day she rocks up at the training ground, might just change everything.
Deja needs help and the only person she can think of to turn too ids the boy that protected her for so long, the boy that may have left her behind all those years ago but that she never really let go of, so when she goes to see him, desperate in every sense of the word, just what would they reconnection mean for them both…after all Tyler had the singularly most important day of his life approaching …could she be the spanner in the works that spoiled his Draft Day?
Each of them gave cause for concern, Deja because she was on a slippery slope to oblivion following a whole heap of craziness that she had been through and Tyler because he had a heart the size of Texas and was willing to do whatever it took for Deja and that worried me, I wanted them both to have a HEA but I wasn’t sure that they were going to be mutually agreeable…but this was an author with other things on her mind and she wrote a very touching and astute novel.
She used social commentary to highlight the issues that face many in the world today and she did so with absolute conviction.
So much more than a sport romance…this plays by its own rules.
I may be (almost) the ultimate couch potato but I love a good sports romance and this is exactly that!
Friends for a decade or should I say acquaintances because ea long time has passed since the time they spent together in the care system but Deja and Tyler may have drifted apart but that doesn’t mean that when help is required they won’t step up.
Their pasts are far from resolved and although they have both dealt with their situations in different ways, they are both still perfectly well aware of the connection that the time they spent in foster care has had on them.
Tyler is on his way to stardom, his football career is about to see him hit the NFL but after five years away from Deja, he knows that the day she rocks up at the training ground, might just change everything.
Deja needs help and the only person she can think of to turn too ids the boy that protected her for so long, the boy that may have left her behind all those years ago but that she never really let go of, so when she goes to see him, desperate in every sense of the word, just what would they reconnection mean for them both…after all Tyler had the singularly most important day of his life approaching …could she be the spanner in the works that spoiled his Draft Day?
Each of them gave cause for concern, Deja because she was on a slippery slope to oblivion following a whole heap of craziness that she had been through and Tyler because he had a heart the size of Texas and was willing to do whatever it took for Deja and that worried me, I wanted them both to have a HEA but I wasn’t sure that they were going to be mutually agreeable…but this was an author with other things on her mind and she wrote a very touching and astute novel.
She used social commentary to highlight the issues that face many in the world today and she did so with absolute conviction.
So much more than a sport romance…this plays by its own rules.
January 12, 2017
Draft Day is different from other sports romances I've read, Tyler was not a bad boy, Deja was not a clueless girl who suddenly became a super fan! And it worked! Both Tyler and Deja's rough childhoods shaped how they became. As teens they grew up together with horrible foster parents, but they lost tough when Tyler aged out.
Tyler went on to work hard through college and become a college football superstar with pro dreams.
Deja went on to work hard for little with nothing but an abusive relationships don't a drinking problem.
When they find each other, it could spell disaster for both of them. Tyler is so close to his dreams, but Deja threatens his future with her baggage from the past. Draft Day is has some dark undertones, but over all was a well written book. I was. I enjoyed Tyler, and found it refreshing that he was able to make something of his life. I wasn't fond of Deja in the beginning my as she grew and found the strength to make positive changes in her life, I grew to like her.
This the first Toya King books I've read, but it won't be the last!
Tyler went on to work hard through college and become a college football superstar with pro dreams.
Deja went on to work hard for little with nothing but an abusive relationships don't a drinking problem.
When they find each other, it could spell disaster for both of them. Tyler is so close to his dreams, but Deja threatens his future with her baggage from the past. Draft Day is has some dark undertones, but over all was a well written book. I was. I enjoyed Tyler, and found it refreshing that he was able to make something of his life. I wasn't fond of Deja in the beginning my as she grew and found the strength to make positive changes in her life, I grew to like her.
This the first Toya King books I've read, but it won't be the last!
December 27, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Oh Tyler and Deja , what a beautiful , heartbreaking, heartwarming story. Yes all of that. A story of two young children in foster homes, only having each other to care for and love. Then meeting years later when Tyler is waiting to be drafted for the NFL. Sadly things weren't quite the same for Deja. It was sad to see how like a lost soul she was but still always loving Tyler . The struggle Deja has to cope with her addiction and as always, Tyler being there for her. But at what cost. He could lose everything because of his love. It made me cry at certain parts and through it all they had their love, hard decisions to make and fighting not just to make things work but for themselves too. The ending was just perfect and greedy me just wanted a bit more. Loved it. My first story by Toya King
Oh Tyler and Deja , what a beautiful , heartbreaking, heartwarming story. Yes all of that. A story of two young children in foster homes, only having each other to care for and love. Then meeting years later when Tyler is waiting to be drafted for the NFL. Sadly things weren't quite the same for Deja. It was sad to see how like a lost soul she was but still always loving Tyler . The struggle Deja has to cope with her addiction and as always, Tyler being there for her. But at what cost. He could lose everything because of his love. It made me cry at certain parts and through it all they had their love, hard decisions to make and fighting not just to make things work but for themselves too. The ending was just perfect and greedy me just wanted a bit more. Loved it. My first story by Toya King
January 2, 2017
This was one of the better sports romance stories. A story of second chances. When Deja and Tyler were in foster care together, Tyler was the only one she could trust. Four years together and he protected her, until he aged out and had to move. Five years had been rough on Deja. Alcohol and abusive men took their toll on her. Things start to change when she sees Tyler on tv.
I really loved this book and the premis behind it. The one and only thing that annoyed me was the consistent use of the word "sneered". Even when someone is happy and thanking another person for an awesome opportunity they're sneering. Other than that, this was very well written and I loved how it all flowed nicely. I was happy to receive an exclusive review of this book.
I really loved this book and the premis behind it. The one and only thing that annoyed me was the consistent use of the word "sneered". Even when someone is happy and thanking another person for an awesome opportunity they're sneering. Other than that, this was very well written and I loved how it all flowed nicely. I was happy to receive an exclusive review of this book.
February 16, 2017
Ok but not great
First time I have read a Toya King book. I was very excited to read Draft Day when I saw the books blurb, it sounded awesome. I'm not exactly disappointed but it did not hold my attention well. It's a great story idea though. Boy and girl spend time together in foster care. Look out for each other and become best friends but then they get separated and lose track of one another. Years later they find each other again but everything is different now. Their lives have gone in 2 different directions. Deja has been through a hell of her own making and is hoping Tyler can help her find her way out. Tyler is so close to realizing his dreams but having Deja back in his life could destroy it all.
First time I have read a Toya King book. I was very excited to read Draft Day when I saw the books blurb, it sounded awesome. I'm not exactly disappointed but it did not hold my attention well. It's a great story idea though. Boy and girl spend time together in foster care. Look out for each other and become best friends but then they get separated and lose track of one another. Years later they find each other again but everything is different now. Their lives have gone in 2 different directions. Deja has been through a hell of her own making and is hoping Tyler can help her find her way out. Tyler is so close to realizing his dreams but having Deja back in his life could destroy it all.
December 30, 2016
Not at all what I expected….but in a great way! Draft Day is not your light sports romance read. You have love, heartache, addiction, and the perils of the foster care system.
Deja and Tyler haven’t seen each other in 5 years, after living together in foster care for years. Tyler was Deja’s protector when they were younger and is thrust back into that role after Deja picks up and leaves her previous life behind. Tyler and Deja both have separate issues they need to work though and they struggle to do it. Their friendship and love help when when they almost lose it all.
This story is more than just a sports romance. I look forward to reading more from Toya King in the future.
Deja and Tyler haven’t seen each other in 5 years, after living together in foster care for years. Tyler was Deja’s protector when they were younger and is thrust back into that role after Deja picks up and leaves her previous life behind. Tyler and Deja both have separate issues they need to work though and they struggle to do it. Their friendship and love help when when they almost lose it all.
This story is more than just a sports romance. I look forward to reading more from Toya King in the future.
March 1, 2017
Deja & Tyler spent 4 years in the same foster home and when Tyler hit 18, they lost track of each other. Five years later, Deja leaves her relationship to track down Tyler. Tyler & Deja were each other save haven when they were in the foster home. Deja needs her safe haven back. Tyler & Deja's relationship had many up and downs, but they always found their way back to each other. Some parts in the book made me want to stop reading, but Toya's writing kept drawing me back in. I am so glad it did! A really good story of hope!
I received an Exclusive Copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received an Exclusive Copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2017
A great book about addiction, love, and second chances! This was my first book by this author and I was surprised by how the story gripped me.
The characters were well developed and came across as realistic. It was well written and well done. It was great to see how these two conquered in the end.
The characters were well developed and came across as realistic. It was well written and well done. It was great to see how these two conquered in the end.
December 28, 2016
Draft Day by Toya King is so different from other Sports Romance books I have come across so far. This story was a little more darker. There was a lot of self pity from the woman, Deja, in this story. It was a little hard for me to follow through as I was constantly frustrated with the character. There by all means nothing wrong with the emotions of being lost and a little bit selfish, but I felt that the emotions was a little to much from the beginning. I had just a little bit of hard time connecting with Deja. She is a woman that just wants the better in life. And her better has always been Tyler.
Tyler has been in and out foster care his whole youth life. Finally he has made himself better and hoping to be drafted into the NFL. He has had everything he needed to clear the path until Deja comes back into his life. Then, WOW!!! His whole life just gets turned upside down. There is so much drama in this story, I could not tell left from right at times.
It was not until the end of the story that I was finally into the story. Maybe it was the conflict, or maybe it was the characters. I just could not connect until there was a little bit of positive in the story. I give this book a 3.5 rating.
Tyler has been in and out foster care his whole youth life. Finally he has made himself better and hoping to be drafted into the NFL. He has had everything he needed to clear the path until Deja comes back into his life. Then, WOW!!! His whole life just gets turned upside down. There is so much drama in this story, I could not tell left from right at times.
It was not until the end of the story that I was finally into the story. Maybe it was the conflict, or maybe it was the characters. I just could not connect until there was a little bit of positive in the story. I give this book a 3.5 rating.
December 27, 2016
Love
Wow what an amazing story!
Deja needed out of an abusive relationship, but had no idea how to make it out successfully. She happened to see a news report about her childhood friend and protector Tyler. Realizing he'd been just down the road playing college football and knew he'd protect her again. She packed up everything she owned, quit her job and hit the road to reunite with him. Will he remember her, and if he does will he throw her away like everyone else has in the past or will he care for her like he did when they were teens?
Tyler has everything going the way he always wanted. After working hard during his college football career, he's on his way toward his dream of being drafted by one of the NFL teams on draft day. He can have any woman he wants since they fall at his feet. He's buried his childhood so deep not even his friends know what he went through. That is until Deja shows up with a black eye unexpected at practice and needs his help. He always cared for and protected her while in their foster home, how could he possibly turn her away now? But will prosecuting bet cost him his NFL dream?
To read the twists, turns and heartache between Tyler and Deja you'll have to read DRAFT DAY. It is a great story of struggles, commitment and love, right up to the end. Draft Day is a steamy standalone, interracial (bwwm) football romance novel with an HEA and no cliffhangers. I received an EXCLUSIVE copy via Bookfunnel in exchange for an honest review. Due to sexual content this novel is recommended for readers 18 and older!
Wow what an amazing story!
Deja needed out of an abusive relationship, but had no idea how to make it out successfully. She happened to see a news report about her childhood friend and protector Tyler. Realizing he'd been just down the road playing college football and knew he'd protect her again. She packed up everything she owned, quit her job and hit the road to reunite with him. Will he remember her, and if he does will he throw her away like everyone else has in the past or will he care for her like he did when they were teens?
Tyler has everything going the way he always wanted. After working hard during his college football career, he's on his way toward his dream of being drafted by one of the NFL teams on draft day. He can have any woman he wants since they fall at his feet. He's buried his childhood so deep not even his friends know what he went through. That is until Deja shows up with a black eye unexpected at practice and needs his help. He always cared for and protected her while in their foster home, how could he possibly turn her away now? But will prosecuting bet cost him his NFL dream?
To read the twists, turns and heartache between Tyler and Deja you'll have to read DRAFT DAY. It is a great story of struggles, commitment and love, right up to the end. Draft Day is a steamy standalone, interracial (bwwm) football romance novel with an HEA and no cliffhangers. I received an EXCLUSIVE copy via Bookfunnel in exchange for an honest review. Due to sexual content this novel is recommended for readers 18 and older!
December 28, 2016
Tyler and Deja both had crappy childhoods, and they met in foster care. They became close, until he left, and her life just got worse, as he was the only bright spot in her life. Now he's made something of himself, as he's about ready to be drafted into the NFL, and she hasn't fared quite so well. When Deja appears in his life again, his instinct to protect her is kicked in, but it's becoming a distraction that he can't afford. Will Deja find a better path before she takes Tyler down with her?!
Another story that I had to type a generic description in order to not give anything away! I loved this story. Deja hurt my heart quite a bit, as I felt all of her pain firsthand, (but that doesn't mean I agreed with her choices), and Tyler, I loved him to pieces but did get frustrated with him at times. I didn't realize this was Toya King's first book, as it flowed very smoothly, so I have to say she has a talented writing style. Her twists and turns had me dropping f-bombs, and the emotional angst had my dramatic girly girl emotions flowing as the realistic situations hit home. What kept Draft Day from being a perfect rating for me, as I'm a football junkie, was the ending. It was too rushed in my opinion, for everything that happened. I just needed more, but maybe this author will write another book about these two (hint hint)! However, I'm super excited about her, so I'll be waiting for more impatiently, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Another story that I had to type a generic description in order to not give anything away! I loved this story. Deja hurt my heart quite a bit, as I felt all of her pain firsthand, (but that doesn't mean I agreed with her choices), and Tyler, I loved him to pieces but did get frustrated with him at times. I didn't realize this was Toya King's first book, as it flowed very smoothly, so I have to say she has a talented writing style. Her twists and turns had me dropping f-bombs, and the emotional angst had my dramatic girly girl emotions flowing as the realistic situations hit home. What kept Draft Day from being a perfect rating for me, as I'm a football junkie, was the ending. It was too rushed in my opinion, for everything that happened. I just needed more, but maybe this author will write another book about these two (hint hint)! However, I'm super excited about her, so I'll be waiting for more impatiently, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
November 19, 2017
This isn't a typical sports romance, and the interracial element is only a side line. This is a story of two broken, scarred and scared people trying to make a better future. It touches on some quite dark subjects but tends to only skim over them, This isn't a deep and powerful book and that is ok as it isn't being sold as one. It is deeper than most sports romances which does add an extra element of enjoyment to it.
Both have problems that threatened to ruin their futures and both have hurdles to overcome. Both Tyler and Deja need to accept, come to terms with and move on from their pasts.
The two characters are well written. Yes Deja is selfish and 'woe is me' at times, but this is someone who grew up with no love and no family and the one person she cared for just disappeared from her life. I don't have to like her attitude but it is understandable .... and to me she actually came across as a very lost and insecure girl rather than annoying. Actually it was refreshingly honest - how many of us in real life don't opt for the easy way and can also be selfish at times ?
The author had an easy to read style of writing, the book is well edited, the story builds nicely and isn't too predictable. It is written from both Tyler and Deja's POV's - which I prefer as I like to get into the head of both characters. The epilogue is lovely AND realistic.
A genuine 4.5 stars for one of the better sports romance books I have read.
Both have problems that threatened to ruin their futures and both have hurdles to overcome. Both Tyler and Deja need to accept, come to terms with and move on from their pasts.
The two characters are well written. Yes Deja is selfish and 'woe is me' at times, but this is someone who grew up with no love and no family and the one person she cared for just disappeared from her life. I don't have to like her attitude but it is understandable .... and to me she actually came across as a very lost and insecure girl rather than annoying. Actually it was refreshingly honest - how many of us in real life don't opt for the easy way and can also be selfish at times ?
The author had an easy to read style of writing, the book is well edited, the story builds nicely and isn't too predictable. It is written from both Tyler and Deja's POV's - which I prefer as I like to get into the head of both characters. The epilogue is lovely AND realistic.
A genuine 4.5 stars for one of the better sports romance books I have read.
June 3, 2017
Tyler and Deja spent years together in the same foster family, Tyler was Deja's protector, he saved her from some dark moments in her life, she loses contact with him when he ages out of foster care, Deja has been in a series of bad relationships, mentally and physically abused, she has been drinking her life away to mask the realities and pain, Tyler has been in college doing his best and is getting reading for NFL draft pick, he is a major contender, Deja sees him on the news they're talking about the draft pick, she gets the idea to pack up her life and go to him, he had always been such a source of hope in the past, maybe he could be that now, but could going to him put a dark cloud over everything he had worked for?
This IMO is much more than a just a sports romance, it's a book about, self discovery, overcoming obstacles, love knowing no bounds, and realizing that even the toughest need help every once and awhile. If you are looking for a book with an emotional edge wrapped around some romance then this just may be the book for you!
I voluntarily read an advance reader's copy of this book
This IMO is much more than a just a sports romance, it's a book about, self discovery, overcoming obstacles, love knowing no bounds, and realizing that even the toughest need help every once and awhile. If you are looking for a book with an emotional edge wrapped around some romance then this just may be the book for you!
I voluntarily read an advance reader's copy of this book
January 4, 2017
Tyler is on the verge of achieving his dream. He's a successful college football player who's about to sign with an NFL team. When a woman from his past comes to see him, he loses his focus. He cares for Deja. When they were foster children, he had been her protector. She needs him to save her again. She's lost in a world of pain and alcohol. Will he risk his future for this woman from his past? It was easy to connect with these characters. Their bond is still strong even after this long separation. Deja is fleeing an abusive boyfriend and a dead end job. Tyler has his own fears. He worries that he doesn't deserve his success. Can these two help each other or will they destroy their future. I was drawn into this emotional story. I wanted Tyler and Deja to have a future together. They deserved to be happy. Toya King did an excellent job with Draft Day. Her characters were likeable people who had to overcome their past. I was with them ever step of the way. I wanted to know how their story ended.
I voluntarily reviewed an exclusive Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an exclusive Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 30, 2016
She and He Go a Long Way Back
King's voice in romance, and this interracial relationship, borne of struggle, is a breath of fresh air in a crowded sports/New Adult landscape...with a few caveats.
One; not every expression, is a *sneer.* Everyone on this story, sneered. All the time. Way too much. Second, while King avoids the instalove and over-the-top feelings, the transition to Feelings could have been made more explicit. I really enjoyed the way the intimacy was portrayed, before and during...but afterwards, though the intimacy propelled the relationship forward, the "slow walk" approach required a more explicit examination of the characters' inner lives, and how their feelings intertwined with what they were doing. Same with TJ's football effort. Although described as anything but lazy, the other characters' reactions spoke very differently...so some of the responses didn't make a whole lot of sense. Overall, a different, creative effort.
King's voice in romance, and this interracial relationship, borne of struggle, is a breath of fresh air in a crowded sports/New Adult landscape...with a few caveats.
One; not every expression, is a *sneer.* Everyone on this story, sneered. All the time. Way too much. Second, while King avoids the instalove and over-the-top feelings, the transition to Feelings could have been made more explicit. I really enjoyed the way the intimacy was portrayed, before and during...but afterwards, though the intimacy propelled the relationship forward, the "slow walk" approach required a more explicit examination of the characters' inner lives, and how their feelings intertwined with what they were doing. Same with TJ's football effort. Although described as anything but lazy, the other characters' reactions spoke very differently...so some of the responses didn't make a whole lot of sense. Overall, a different, creative effort.
January 4, 2017
This was not your typical sports romance where the fan girl chases the sports star. Deja and TJ grew up together in foster care and when he aged out and left they lost touch. Tyler goes on to become a successful college quarterback with high hopes of going pro. Deja suffers through abusive relationships and heartache when she goes in search of Tyler.
When she see him they fall back into being great friends and Tyler would do anything for her. Deja is suffering from Alcoholism and struggles with her demons daily. They fight their feeling for each other until they can't any longer but will she bring him down with her?
will Tyler loss sight of his career for the girl he loves? Will Deja fight her demons to have the life that she deserves with Tyler.
I hope to get more of this story. It does have a HEA but you need to read it all to feel the true emotions and heart felt love In this story.
When she see him they fall back into being great friends and Tyler would do anything for her. Deja is suffering from Alcoholism and struggles with her demons daily. They fight their feeling for each other until they can't any longer but will she bring him down with her?
will Tyler loss sight of his career for the girl he loves? Will Deja fight her demons to have the life that she deserves with Tyler.
I hope to get more of this story. It does have a HEA but you need to read it all to feel the true emotions and heart felt love In this story.
Read
January 7, 2017I voluntarily write this review for receiving a free ARC copy of this book.
This is a great book. Tyler and Deja were in foster care together as teenagers until Tyler graduated. He went on to college and followed his love of football and became a star and hopeful for NFL. Deja was left behind and made poor choices in her life and was in abusive relationships and became alcoholic in order to dull the pain of being abandoned as a child by her parents. Five years later, after being beaten by her boyfriend again, she sees Tyler on TV and leaves to find him as he is the only person who cared about her and that she trusted and loved. After the reconnect he tries to help her but she continues to screw up and is causing Tyler to jeapordise his future with NFL. He has to make the tough love choice to force her to sober up and take responsibility for her life if she wants to be in his life because he loves her. Will she complete rehab so they can be together on Draft day like he wants?
This is a great book. Tyler and Deja were in foster care together as teenagers until Tyler graduated. He went on to college and followed his love of football and became a star and hopeful for NFL. Deja was left behind and made poor choices in her life and was in abusive relationships and became alcoholic in order to dull the pain of being abandoned as a child by her parents. Five years later, after being beaten by her boyfriend again, she sees Tyler on TV and leaves to find him as he is the only person who cared about her and that she trusted and loved. After the reconnect he tries to help her but she continues to screw up and is causing Tyler to jeapordise his future with NFL. He has to make the tough love choice to force her to sober up and take responsibility for her life if she wants to be in his life because he loves her. Will she complete rehab so they can be together on Draft day like he wants?
December 31, 2016
Deja and Tyler lived as foster children in the same house for years. They found comfort in each other when they had none from anyone else. Tyler was the one person Deja was ever able to trust in. But then Tyler aged out of foster care and moved on. They lost touch with each other.
Years later, Deja has hit rock bottom and has nowhere to go and no one to count on, until a ray of hope is provided when she sees a news report of a local football star. Realizing Tyler has been so close, she reaches out to him.
Tyler is once again there for Deja, but she comes with secrets of her own. Can they survive all the obstacle facing them? Is she worth losing his shot to the NFL?
Draft Day by Toya King was a 3.5 stars read for me. I look forward to see what else we get from this author in this genre.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Years later, Deja has hit rock bottom and has nowhere to go and no one to count on, until a ray of hope is provided when she sees a news report of a local football star. Realizing Tyler has been so close, she reaches out to him.
Tyler is once again there for Deja, but she comes with secrets of her own. Can they survive all the obstacle facing them? Is she worth losing his shot to the NFL?
Draft Day by Toya King was a 3.5 stars read for me. I look forward to see what else we get from this author in this genre.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
December 30, 2016
This story is so much more than the run of the mill sports romances; it has hidden depth of struggles and strengths to overcome addictions.
Tyler and Deja were BF while they were in foster care together, where he protected her from coming to any harm. Five years later, Deja is in an abusive relationship which she is trying to escape from. When she sees Tyler on the TV she now knows where he is. When she turns up at football practice, he offers her a place to stay in order to sort out her life. Unfortunately Deja is an expert at hiding her problems, and when Tyler’s housemates start noticing and warning him about what is going on, things have to chance!
This is a heartbreaking and touching story, and is dealt with in such a way, that I was enthralled and intrigued throughout. Awesome job Toya, and I look forward to reading more of your work.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book!
Tyler and Deja were BF while they were in foster care together, where he protected her from coming to any harm. Five years later, Deja is in an abusive relationship which she is trying to escape from. When she sees Tyler on the TV she now knows where he is. When she turns up at football practice, he offers her a place to stay in order to sort out her life. Unfortunately Deja is an expert at hiding her problems, and when Tyler’s housemates start noticing and warning him about what is going on, things have to chance!
This is a heartbreaking and touching story, and is dealt with in such a way, that I was enthralled and intrigued throughout. Awesome job Toya, and I look forward to reading more of your work.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book!
January 6, 2017
Wow...where do I start? I was not prepared for how emotional and intense this story was. Tyler appears to have it all....star college football player, tons of friends, and any woman he wants. But he hides the fact that he grew up in foster care from most of the people in his life. Deja was his foster sister that he left behind when he aged out of the system. Deja has a string of bad relationships and a dependence on alcohol to keep her company. After seeing a news story about Tyler she decides to go find him. Showing up at football practice Deja wonders if Tyler will remember her. Tyler definitely remembers her and the love he had for her. Seeing that she needs his help, he is determined to do whatever it takes to help her even if it costs him everything. Toya King wove a magical story of love, loss, and second chances. I highly recommend this book to others!
December 28, 2016
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I was so surprised at how well I loved this book, it starts out so sad but ends so great!
Deja has been through hell in her life and it seems to be just getting worse, her boyfriend is an addict and his anger is always directed at her
the only good thing she has ever had in her life was Tyler, her foster brother, her best friend, her savior, but Tyler has been gone for years,
Tyler aged out of the foster care system and has made something of himself, he has gone to college and has become an amazing football player
who now has a shot at a NFL career, When Deja shows up at practice everything changes in an instant.
Tyler still is the protector, his loving caring personality comes across so well in this book just a GREAT story
I was so surprised at how well I loved this book, it starts out so sad but ends so great!
Deja has been through hell in her life and it seems to be just getting worse, her boyfriend is an addict and his anger is always directed at her
the only good thing she has ever had in her life was Tyler, her foster brother, her best friend, her savior, but Tyler has been gone for years,
Tyler aged out of the foster care system and has made something of himself, he has gone to college and has become an amazing football player
who now has a shot at a NFL career, When Deja shows up at practice everything changes in an instant.
Tyler still is the protector, his loving caring personality comes across so well in this book just a GREAT story
December 31, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is my first time reading a book by Toyas King. I loved Tyler and Deja story.
Tyler has been looking out for Daja since they were kids in foster care. Tyler left for college and now is about to be signed with the NFL. Daja has given up on life after so many bad relationship she now drinks to numb the pain. She sees Tyler on TV and thinks it's a good idea to pack up and go to him. Tyler has a heart of gold and will do anything to help Daja he believes he can save her. Daja made me mad a few times Tyler is going out his way to help her but she doesn't see it. Tyler has his hands full but he knows he can handle it at least he hope he does.
This is my first time reading a book by Toyas King. I loved Tyler and Deja story.
Tyler has been looking out for Daja since they were kids in foster care. Tyler left for college and now is about to be signed with the NFL. Daja has given up on life after so many bad relationship she now drinks to numb the pain. She sees Tyler on TV and thinks it's a good idea to pack up and go to him. Tyler has a heart of gold and will do anything to help Daja he believes he can save her. Daja made me mad a few times Tyler is going out his way to help her but she doesn't see it. Tyler has his hands full but he knows he can handle it at least he hope he does.
January 2, 2017
In this book, I found a well written, fast paced story that definitely kept my attention to the very end. However, I wasn't the biggest fan of either of the main characters. The book was very true to the behaviors and characteristics of people I have known in similar situations and had I known the author would be so spot on in her character development, I wouldn't have read the story. I enjoyed how fast paced this was and I really enjoyed Coach's character.
One other thing I couldn't get past was the author's use of 'sneer' & 'sneered' throughout the story. I feel it was over used and, in some places, incorrectly used.
Overall, it was a quick read and had a wide array of characters, but it wasn't a book for me.
One other thing I couldn't get past was the author's use of 'sneer' & 'sneered' throughout the story. I feel it was over used and, in some places, incorrectly used.
Overall, it was a quick read and had a wide array of characters, but it wasn't a book for me.
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