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The Game
When Alyssa Rivers accepts the coveted fitness trainer's position with England’s top cricket team, The Red Cats, she knows it's going to be nothing short of hard work.
A woman in a man’s world, Lys not only has to prove she is the right person for the job, but she must earn the respect of cricket’s most elite players, including the surly team captain, Jase Willis. Known for his less than cooperative attitude on and off the pitch, he has the power to end her career before it’s even started … if she doesn’t end his first.
In a game where there is no room for big egos or bearing grudges, Lys and Jase are going to have to find a way to work together ... but can the woman who sacrificed everything for love find a way to reach the man whose only love is the game?
A woman in a man’s world, Lys not only has to prove she is the right person for the job, but she must earn the respect of cricket’s most elite players, including the surly team captain, Jase Willis. Known for his less than cooperative attitude on and off the pitch, he has the power to end her career before it’s even started … if she doesn’t end his first.
In a game where there is no room for big egos or bearing grudges, Lys and Jase are going to have to find a way to work together ... but can the woman who sacrificed everything for love find a way to reach the man whose only love is the game?
320 pages, Unknown Binding
Published June 7, 2017
128 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bloom
80 books755 followersRomance without limits!
A book hoarder and coffee addict at heart Anna's main existence in life is to create beautiful words about exquisitely flawed characters. She's a slow burn Princess and all about working for that happy ever after, but she guarantees when you get it, you'll fall so hard you might never want to surface again.
Be prepared to oooh and aaah and squeal with delight as Anna takes you on a journey you are unlikely to forget.
Anna lives at in Surrey, the UK, with her husband and three children. She happiest writing (thinking of ways to make you swoon), drinking coffee and snuggling up on the sofa in the evenings for a binge of her favourite shows or reading in bed. She loves to chat with her readers on social media so if you love the words come and find her, she sure loves to talk.
Sign up for Anna's newsletter here and receive a FREE NOVEL The Truth About Love: https://www.subscribepage.com/AnnaBloom
A book hoarder and coffee addict at heart Anna's main existence in life is to create beautiful words about exquisitely flawed characters. She's a slow burn Princess and all about working for that happy ever after, but she guarantees when you get it, you'll fall so hard you might never want to surface again.
Be prepared to oooh and aaah and squeal with delight as Anna takes you on a journey you are unlikely to forget.
Anna lives at in Surrey, the UK, with her husband and three children. She happiest writing (thinking of ways to make you swoon), drinking coffee and snuggling up on the sofa in the evenings for a binge of her favourite shows or reading in bed. She loves to chat with her readers on social media so if you love the words come and find her, she sure loves to talk.
Sign up for Anna's newsletter here and receive a FREE NOVEL The Truth About Love: https://www.subscribepage.com/AnnaBloom
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
June 13, 2017
“Cricket is all I have. It’s all I’ve ever had.”
We love our sports romances and have read copious amounts, but we have to admit this was our first cricket romance. Having very limited knowledge of cricket as it’s just not a sport we follow, we were excited to see how we’d enjoy a romance set in the cricket world. We already knew we loved Anna Bloom’s writing as we’ve read her before and we were definitely in the mood for a bit of British. Did we enjoy it? We sure did, it’s a good slow burn romance with an epilogue that melted our hearts.
“Life.” And there it was, the one thing I never knew I wanted. A life of my own.
Once again we fell in love with the way Anna Bloom writes, it’s flawless, engaging, funny and has such realism. You feel like you get to know the characters and get completely immersed in the story of cricket. The Game had a real authenticity to it and it’s very clear that cricket is a sport Anna Bloom knows like the back of her hand. We do have to add though that for us we did struggle with the heavy focus on cricket in relation to the romance aspect. Whilst we love that the sport featured in great detail we would have liked the same for Alyssa and Jase in order to fully emotionally connect to this romance.
“There are so many reasons why that shouldn’t have worked,” his voice was low.
“But my God, I’m glad it did.” click here for full review
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March 19, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/19/2020)! 🎁
June 13, 2017
“Cricket is all I have. It’s all I’ve ever had.”
We love our sports romances and have read copious amounts, but we have to admit this was our first cricket romance. Having very limited knowledge of cricket as it’s just not a sport we follow, we were excited to see how we’d enjoy a romance set in the cricket world. We already knew we loved Anna Bloom’s writing as we’ve read her before and we were definitely in the mood for a bit of British. Did we enjoy it? We sure did, it’s a good slow burn romance with an epilogue that melted our hearts.
“Life.” And there it was, the one thing I never knew I wanted. A life of my own.
Once again we fell in love with the way Anna Bloom writes, it’s flawless, engaging, funny and has such realism. You feel like you get to know the characters and get completely immersed in the story of cricket. The Game had a real authenticity to it and it’s very clear that cricket is a sport Anna Bloom knows like the back of her hand. We do have to add though that for us we did struggle with the heavy focus on cricket in relation to the romance aspect. Whilst we love that the sport featured in great detail we would have liked the same for Alyssa and Jase in order to fully emotionally connect to this romance.
This will be worth it?”
“It’s cricket. It’s always worth it.”
Alyssa is the queen of women’s cricket but is now the head fitness coach of a T20 cricket team after suffering an injury as well as the loss of her brother and his wife. Circumstances changed by tragedy means looking after her nephew whilst trying to stay in the sport she loves so dearly. Cricket to her is like breathing. Much to her annoyance the new Captain is England's former test cricket captain, Jase Willis. For both of them it’s a clear case of their hearts being owned by the sport and feeling lost without it. A brief meeting in the past has Alyssa dreading having to work so closely with him.
Alyssa is existing but not living life as such, her love for her nephew and her brother’s memory means she’s put parts of her own life on complete hold. Sometimes it takes love to show you the way and that’s exactly what happens to Alyssa, albeit reluctantly.
‘This was a game to him and the kiss had been a tactic of his offense. Well screw him; I wasn’t going to play the game.’
Jase Willis is known for his bad temper, his womanizing ways and his fortitude on the green. He’s a brooding enigmatic powerhouse and Alyssa has quite the battle on her hands; a battle that changes face after spending more time with Jase, the Lion. Frustrating doesn’t even cover it and a relationship which began on rocky grounds moves onto a more stable and even road of romance. If you love enemies to lovers and second chance love with a heavy element of sport then this is definitely a book for you.
“There are so many reasons why that shouldn’t have worked,” his voice was low.
“But my God, I’m glad it did.”
THE GAME is available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinterest
June 7, 2017
The Game falls into what I’ve come to refer to as my paradoxical reads. These are books that take topics I dislike in real life but positively adore in the bookish world. Reality television and the sporting world make up the bulk of these reads. This is particularly true when it comes to the sport of this book.
I really don’t like cricket. If I were to pick a sport, I’d take rugby any day. Cricket is right up there with golf on my list of sports I’m not interested in list. Nevertheless, as I’ve enjoyed quite a few baseball reads I decided I would give a cricket book a read. After all, it was only fair of me to read a book set in the sporting world on my side of the pond.
Not to mention, I’ve recently become a big fan of Anna Bloom. I love her Truth About Love stories, super excited for the next one, and I decided if anyone could make cricket interesting it would be Anna Bloom. After all, the synopsis alone was interesting – I was hopeful the rest of the book would grab my attention just as much.
It turns out that the book was even more than I’d anticipated. Whilst cricket is the backdrop to the story, you do not need to know or like the sport to enjoy this story. In many ways, you could substitute cricket to any sport – all that would change is the specific details of the sporting world. I’m oversimplifying to the extreme, I admit, but I’m merely trying to highlight how this isn’t a cricket book with romance rather it is a romance book with cricket.
As I’ve come to expect from Anna Bloom, this book was thoroughly addictive. From the very first page, you’re pulled into the story, addicted, unable to put it down. It was one of those wonderful stories that begged me to read it in a single sitting, despite how I didn’t start my reading until the early hours of the morning. Sleep took second place to finding out how this story played out. I needed answers. I needed to see how everything came together.
This book has so many elements – enemies to lovers, past ghosts, finding oneself, to name a few – and each element is woven together so beautifully. Everything links back to a gripping story, told through wonderful characters. If forced to choose what I loved more – the amazing storyline or the brilliant characters – I would be unable to do so, because this book hit all the spots. If I knew cricket lingo I would crack some kind of joke regarding it being a high scorer (I want to say it’s a sixer, but I fear I’m wrong here).
Honestly, this is a prime example of Anna Bloom’s work. It is wonderful, and I cannot wait to pick up even more of her work. I have a couple on my Kindle I have yet to read, but I know they won’t last me long – as soon as I’m done, I’ll be eagerly anticipating her next release. If you’ve yet to pick up an Anna Bloom book, I would certainly recommend this one.
Ever if, like me, you’re not a fan of cricket (or even sports), this book is wonderfully gripping and well worth the read.
I really don’t like cricket. If I were to pick a sport, I’d take rugby any day. Cricket is right up there with golf on my list of sports I’m not interested in list. Nevertheless, as I’ve enjoyed quite a few baseball reads I decided I would give a cricket book a read. After all, it was only fair of me to read a book set in the sporting world on my side of the pond.
Not to mention, I’ve recently become a big fan of Anna Bloom. I love her Truth About Love stories, super excited for the next one, and I decided if anyone could make cricket interesting it would be Anna Bloom. After all, the synopsis alone was interesting – I was hopeful the rest of the book would grab my attention just as much.
It turns out that the book was even more than I’d anticipated. Whilst cricket is the backdrop to the story, you do not need to know or like the sport to enjoy this story. In many ways, you could substitute cricket to any sport – all that would change is the specific details of the sporting world. I’m oversimplifying to the extreme, I admit, but I’m merely trying to highlight how this isn’t a cricket book with romance rather it is a romance book with cricket.
As I’ve come to expect from Anna Bloom, this book was thoroughly addictive. From the very first page, you’re pulled into the story, addicted, unable to put it down. It was one of those wonderful stories that begged me to read it in a single sitting, despite how I didn’t start my reading until the early hours of the morning. Sleep took second place to finding out how this story played out. I needed answers. I needed to see how everything came together.
This book has so many elements – enemies to lovers, past ghosts, finding oneself, to name a few – and each element is woven together so beautifully. Everything links back to a gripping story, told through wonderful characters. If forced to choose what I loved more – the amazing storyline or the brilliant characters – I would be unable to do so, because this book hit all the spots. If I knew cricket lingo I would crack some kind of joke regarding it being a high scorer (I want to say it’s a sixer, but I fear I’m wrong here).
Honestly, this is a prime example of Anna Bloom’s work. It is wonderful, and I cannot wait to pick up even more of her work. I have a couple on my Kindle I have yet to read, but I know they won’t last me long – as soon as I’m done, I’ll be eagerly anticipating her next release. If you’ve yet to pick up an Anna Bloom book, I would certainly recommend this one.
Ever if, like me, you’re not a fan of cricket (or even sports), this book is wonderfully gripping and well worth the read.
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January 10, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/10/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
When Alyssa Rivers accepts the coveted fitness trainer's position with England’s top cricket team, The Red Cats, she knows it's going to be nothing short of hard work.
A woman in a man’s world, Lys not only has to prove she is the right person for the job, but she must earn the respect of cricket’s most elite players, including the surly team captain, Jase Willis. Known for his less than cooperative attitude on and off the pitch, he has the power to end her career before it’s even started … if she doesn’t end his first.
In a game where there is no room for big egos or bearing grudges, Lys and Jase are going to have to find a way to work together ... but can the woman who sacrificed everything for love find a way to reach the man whose only love is the game?
Blurb:
When Alyssa Rivers accepts the coveted fitness trainer's position with England’s top cricket team, The Red Cats, she knows it's going to be nothing short of hard work.
A woman in a man’s world, Lys not only has to prove she is the right person for the job, but she must earn the respect of cricket’s most elite players, including the surly team captain, Jase Willis. Known for his less than cooperative attitude on and off the pitch, he has the power to end her career before it’s even started … if she doesn’t end his first.
In a game where there is no room for big egos or bearing grudges, Lys and Jase are going to have to find a way to work together ... but can the woman who sacrificed everything for love find a way to reach the man whose only love is the game?
January 13, 2018
Good!
This was the first book that I've read by this author and it certainly won't be the last. I have really enjoyed this book, so much so that I read it in one sitting. I loved the angst between Jase and Lyssa. I loved their connection, even though they were too stubborn to notice. It was a good story and I look forward to more by this author.
This was the first book that I've read by this author and it certainly won't be the last. I have really enjoyed this book, so much so that I read it in one sitting. I loved the angst between Jase and Lyssa. I loved their connection, even though they were too stubborn to notice. It was a good story and I look forward to more by this author.
November 5, 2017
something is off..its like reading between Kulti and Wait for It from Mariana Zapata's book. This is my first book from this author and there are too many similarities.
June 7, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
What else am I supposed to do? I'm retired, there's only so much golf and sangria an old man can cope with before I get sent to my ever after with a pickled liver and skin you could use for a handbag.
This man was more than an enigma; he was a Japanese puzzle box with no instructions.
My Review:
I know absolutely nothing about cricket other than it seems a little bit like baseball, which is probably like saying rugby is a little bit like football. And while it probably would have helped, I didn’t really need to understand much about cricket, other than the idea that the sport had taken a forefront on the characters lives as professional players. I adore Ms. Bloom’s descriptive and amusing writing style, she places me right there with them, I can hear, smell, and feel each scene. The storyline was engaging, emotive, and entertaining while the endearing characters were intriguing and their secrets and history were slowly revealed. I enjoyed my time with them from the beginning paragraph to the satisfying conclusion. And I am happy to report a new word to add to my Brit vocabulary list – jimjams – which is now my favorite way of referring to pajamas.
What else am I supposed to do? I'm retired, there's only so much golf and sangria an old man can cope with before I get sent to my ever after with a pickled liver and skin you could use for a handbag.
This man was more than an enigma; he was a Japanese puzzle box with no instructions.
My Review:
I know absolutely nothing about cricket other than it seems a little bit like baseball, which is probably like saying rugby is a little bit like football. And while it probably would have helped, I didn’t really need to understand much about cricket, other than the idea that the sport had taken a forefront on the characters lives as professional players. I adore Ms. Bloom’s descriptive and amusing writing style, she places me right there with them, I can hear, smell, and feel each scene. The storyline was engaging, emotive, and entertaining while the endearing characters were intriguing and their secrets and history were slowly revealed. I enjoyed my time with them from the beginning paragraph to the satisfying conclusion. And I am happy to report a new word to add to my Brit vocabulary list – jimjams – which is now my favorite way of referring to pajamas.
August 4, 2017
Adorable
I know less than zero about cricket, and I still loved this book. Super sweet. This story would make a good rainy day read.
I know less than zero about cricket, and I still loved this book. Super sweet. This story would make a good rainy day read.
February 14, 2018
Perusing Princesses https://perusingprincesses.net https://perusingprincesses.net/2018/0...
A standalone Sport Romance, unrelated to any of Anna Bloom’s back catalogue.
A woman with big balls – check
A moody, hot sportsman – check
An interesting back story – check
A cute kid – check
I was always going to love this book. This is my first Anna Bloom book, but having met and had a chat with her at a recent intimate book signing, I knew that out all her books, this would be right up my alley; and it really was.
I won’t get into a story overview, because the synopsis really does tell you all you need to know. What I will say though is that this book had everything I like in a sport related romance story. What I liked about this book was that it was in the world of the quintessentially British sport of Cricket. Now, before you think that isn’t for you… seriously it will be, because the beauty of this book is the balance that Anna has got just right. Yes, this is the world of Cricket, and it is a major part of both Lyssa’s and “the Lancashire Lion’s” lives, but you won’t be reading about runs, wickets and balls (well maybe some balls). This book is really about finding love when your first passion lays in a game. It is an engaging romance, without the sickly, boring and obvious insta-love. The characters have something about them, and both have great back stories. I enjoyed every single page.
So if you are looking for a great romance with a British voice, a book that will remind you of a beautiful summer day (maybe whilst holding a Pimms), then this really is a must read… even if you aren’t a fan of Cricket.
This review was originally posted on Perusing Princesses
November 27, 2017
Why 1 Star?
When someone reviews with the words ‘if you liked Kulti, then you’ll love this one’, I actually expect to read something amazing and NEW.
What I don’t expect is a re-write of Kulti and Wait for It.
*****SPOILERS******
In this book the heroine is the coach. The hero is still the antagonist that is a form set super star (athletically). He retired and ended up being drunk all the time. This leads him to leave the retirement and give the up and coming team a chance.
Sounds familiar (hint: KULTI!!)
Then we have the heroine who’s ‘inherited’ her nephew when her brother died (WAIT FOR IT) and at a game, the nephew asks for the hero’s autograph, only to have him be a dickwad to the kid. When the heroine finds out and tells him off, he apologizes by giving the kid a ton of merchandise (KULTI!)
The heroine also has this cricket camp for the kids at her nephew’s school and the hero shows up with his friends and makes the heroine soooo grateful (STILL MOTHER FRICKIN KULTI!)
Oh, but we’re not done!
In the epilogue they are at her nephew’s cricket game and they’re joking about how ‘funny it is that we’re both super good at this sport but both our kids suck at it’....
Now why does this sound familiar?! Hmmm... it wasn’t in a Kulti... No, but it is up on Mariana Zapata’s website as a KULTI outtake/ future scene.
No... just NO!
When someone reviews with the words ‘if you liked Kulti, then you’ll love this one’, I actually expect to read something amazing and NEW.
What I don’t expect is a re-write of Kulti and Wait for It.
*****SPOILERS******
In this book the heroine is the coach. The hero is still the antagonist that is a form set super star (athletically). He retired and ended up being drunk all the time. This leads him to leave the retirement and give the up and coming team a chance.
Sounds familiar (hint: KULTI!!)
Then we have the heroine who’s ‘inherited’ her nephew when her brother died (WAIT FOR IT) and at a game, the nephew asks for the hero’s autograph, only to have him be a dickwad to the kid. When the heroine finds out and tells him off, he apologizes by giving the kid a ton of merchandise (KULTI!)
The heroine also has this cricket camp for the kids at her nephew’s school and the hero shows up with his friends and makes the heroine soooo grateful (STILL MOTHER FRICKIN KULTI!)
Oh, but we’re not done!
In the epilogue they are at her nephew’s cricket game and they’re joking about how ‘funny it is that we’re both super good at this sport but both our kids suck at it’....
Now why does this sound familiar?! Hmmm... it wasn’t in a Kulti... No, but it is up on Mariana Zapata’s website as a KULTI outtake/ future scene.
No... just NO!
November 16, 2017
Tragedy has turned Alyssa's life upside down. After loosing her brother and sister-in-law in an accident and being appointed guardian to her young nephew, Alyssa takes on the job of fitness coach to a top T20 cricket team. Alyssa has given up much in the last year, including the cricket she loves, so this is a way for her to keep some of her former life, but she was not supposed to fall in love the captain of the team. Slowly their relationship developes and they both realise some times there is more to life than cricket.
June 26, 2017
4.5 STARS
Wow! I loved this one. And, I certainly didn't expect what I got. It was soooooo good! I have no idea about the rules of cricket or how to play, but I sure enjoyed the hell out of this.
All I can say is if you're a fan of Kulti you're doing yourself a HUGE disservice if you don't run out and grab a copy NOW!
Wow! I loved this one. And, I certainly didn't expect what I got. It was soooooo good! I have no idea about the rules of cricket or how to play, but I sure enjoyed the hell out of this.
All I can say is if you're a fan of Kulti you're doing yourself a HUGE disservice if you don't run out and grab a copy NOW!
June 5, 2017
The Game by Anna Bloom a catch of a five-star read. This is a fab read, I started it early in the evening and had to finish it before I could sleep. It’s a stand-alone read and what a read, not many people love cricket and even though I watch it semi-regularly, I don’t even know that I love it that much, but Anna Bloom has instilled a passion in me that if it wasn’t raining so hard its bouncing back into your face today I would be arranging a game.
Alyssa Rivers stepped up to the plate when needed and took a job many people thought she couldn’t do, a job that wasn’t for women, much like playing the game training players for the game isn’t something for women should do either according to some. But Lys is determined to be the best fitness coach for the Red Cats England’s top Cricket team. She just has to prove it to herself and the team, especially the team captain Jase ‘The Lancashire Lion’ he is the one man could ruin her career he has an ego that is bigger than it really should be, and she has to figure a way they can work together without killing each other or ruining each other’s careers.
Alyssa Rivers stepped up to the plate when needed and took a job many people thought she couldn’t do, a job that wasn’t for women, much like playing the game training players for the game isn’t something for women should do either according to some. But Lys is determined to be the best fitness coach for the Red Cats England’s top Cricket team. She just has to prove it to herself and the team, especially the team captain Jase ‘The Lancashire Lion’ he is the one man could ruin her career he has an ego that is bigger than it really should be, and she has to figure a way they can work together without killing each other or ruining each other’s careers.
November 13, 2017
I read this book last month. I wasn’t going to write a review but it is still really bothering me. This book is so obviously a rewrite of Kulti (with a touch of Wait For It) by Mariana Zapata. I mean that literally and not as a compliment to Anna Bloom. I can not believe she thought this was okay. It’s like she had a check-off list of all the plot points from Kulti that she used as the backbone of her book. Even her epilogue is a ripoff of the Kulti future-take that MZ only shared with her fans and was never published. I felt like I was reading a book where Rey is cheating on Sal with a Sal-Diana hybrid, that’s how Kulti this book is. What Anna Bloom did here might not be illegal but it surely is unethical. If you’re a fan of Kulti and are excited to read this review, don’t kid yourself. This book is a poor imitation of Kulti. The quality of writing just doesn’t compare to the original. It doesn’t even come close. I can’t ignore this. Anna Bloom is taking shortcuts in her writing by stealing the ideas and hard work of a fellow author. I'm sure MZ’s fans must have made her aware of this by now. I can’t imagine how horrible she must feel. If you’re thinking about reading this book, do yourself a favor and read the original instead.
November 12, 2017
All for the love of the game, or for the love of family.
This is the second book written by Anna Bloom that I have read, and I have to say, I absolutely enjoyed the story surrounding professional cricket involving our H and h.
Lyssa Rivers had been at the top of her game in the English Women’s Cricket League. Since she was sixteen and took a ball to the face, and being told that girls shouldn’t play cricket if they can’t take the pain, she was out to prove everyone wrong. Then her family circumstances changed, and suddenly she was responsible for the life of her much loved nephew, Sam. Under the guise of injury, she gave up her dream, and became a fitness coach for the men’s Top English 20/20 cricket team, a position that provided steady hours and income for the new guardian and her young nephew.
Not all of the elite players in The Red Cats cricket team were happy to have a young woman as a part of the team, and even as Lyssa quickly earned the trust and respect she needed from the team, it was the extremely sexist team captain Jase Willis who made things difficult for her. Surely he didn’t remember her from all those years ago, when he was as ignorant then as he is now.
As the former captain of the English Test Cricket team, Jace Willis is still at the top of his game, and now playing in the T20 league. Unfortunately for him, he is also known for his temper and bad behaviour as he is for his skill in the game. The new fitness coach may also discover something he’s been hiding from those closest to him.
I loved the spark, and the vulnerability of these two characters. While it might seem that things change suddenly in circumstance, it turns out that they have been effectively building over a long period of time. They are also backed by a great and well written cast of secondary characters.
In the game of professional cricket, one will exaggerate an injury to hide their reason to leave, and another will hide their secret, because it means everything for them to stay. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book through the Quirky Blind Date with a Book Readers Group. 4.5 well written stars.
This is the second book written by Anna Bloom that I have read, and I have to say, I absolutely enjoyed the story surrounding professional cricket involving our H and h.
Lyssa Rivers had been at the top of her game in the English Women’s Cricket League. Since she was sixteen and took a ball to the face, and being told that girls shouldn’t play cricket if they can’t take the pain, she was out to prove everyone wrong. Then her family circumstances changed, and suddenly she was responsible for the life of her much loved nephew, Sam. Under the guise of injury, she gave up her dream, and became a fitness coach for the men’s Top English 20/20 cricket team, a position that provided steady hours and income for the new guardian and her young nephew.
Not all of the elite players in The Red Cats cricket team were happy to have a young woman as a part of the team, and even as Lyssa quickly earned the trust and respect she needed from the team, it was the extremely sexist team captain Jase Willis who made things difficult for her. Surely he didn’t remember her from all those years ago, when he was as ignorant then as he is now.
As the former captain of the English Test Cricket team, Jace Willis is still at the top of his game, and now playing in the T20 league. Unfortunately for him, he is also known for his temper and bad behaviour as he is for his skill in the game. The new fitness coach may also discover something he’s been hiding from those closest to him.
I loved the spark, and the vulnerability of these two characters. While it might seem that things change suddenly in circumstance, it turns out that they have been effectively building over a long period of time. They are also backed by a great and well written cast of secondary characters.
In the game of professional cricket, one will exaggerate an injury to hide their reason to leave, and another will hide their secret, because it means everything for them to stay. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book through the Quirky Blind Date with a Book Readers Group. 4.5 well written stars.
June 20, 2017
The Game
By Anna Bloom
When tragedy hits your family, you are willing to give up all your hopes and dreams to make things better again. But a chance to revisit your dreams presents itself to you, can you take the risk to go for them, or would you continue to always wonder?
"The important thing was that I kept it. The job was mine by hook or crook and no one—not some sexist twat or a group of overpaid guys who couldn’t run to save their lives—was going to ruin it."
Alyssa Rivers life changes over night when she loses her brother , and becomes a mom to her nephew. Having to give up a life she's always lived, Alyssa pushes everything aside to take care of her family. Jase "The Lion" Willis is known as the bad boy in the cricket world. Always causing trouble, and always winning. But when Alyssa enters his life, she is able to see what the Lion's passion really is. When Jase gets under Alyssa's skin, he is able to peel back feelings she has had hidden away, and he puts a spark back into her very quiet life.
"I'd been trying very hard not to react to him all week, which was silly because it was a bit like asking myself not to notice that the sun was shining or that it was raining. I was so aware of him, it hurt. More aware than I had let myself believe."
Eeeeekkkk!! I love The Game! It's such an amazing love story! Anna did such a wonderful job with all the characters, especially Alyssa and Jase. There is so much emotion in their characters, so much depth and different levels of real life! I went into this story without knowing anything about Cricket, but the story was so well written that it held my attention, and had me not being able to put it down! The Game by Anna Bloom is a must read!
"There was a kindling flicker of something dark and unknown down in the pit of my belly—familiarity. I was becoming familiar with the Lion himself, and there couldn’t be anything safe about that."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tara
By Anna Bloom
When tragedy hits your family, you are willing to give up all your hopes and dreams to make things better again. But a chance to revisit your dreams presents itself to you, can you take the risk to go for them, or would you continue to always wonder?
"The important thing was that I kept it. The job was mine by hook or crook and no one—not some sexist twat or a group of overpaid guys who couldn’t run to save their lives—was going to ruin it."
Alyssa Rivers life changes over night when she loses her brother , and becomes a mom to her nephew. Having to give up a life she's always lived, Alyssa pushes everything aside to take care of her family. Jase "The Lion" Willis is known as the bad boy in the cricket world. Always causing trouble, and always winning. But when Alyssa enters his life, she is able to see what the Lion's passion really is. When Jase gets under Alyssa's skin, he is able to peel back feelings she has had hidden away, and he puts a spark back into her very quiet life.
"I'd been trying very hard not to react to him all week, which was silly because it was a bit like asking myself not to notice that the sun was shining or that it was raining. I was so aware of him, it hurt. More aware than I had let myself believe."
Eeeeekkkk!! I love The Game! It's such an amazing love story! Anna did such a wonderful job with all the characters, especially Alyssa and Jase. There is so much emotion in their characters, so much depth and different levels of real life! I went into this story without knowing anything about Cricket, but the story was so well written that it held my attention, and had me not being able to put it down! The Game by Anna Bloom is a must read!
"There was a kindling flicker of something dark and unknown down in the pit of my belly—familiarity. I was becoming familiar with the Lion himself, and there couldn’t be anything safe about that."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tara
June 8, 2017
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it quite a lot. There were a couple of small quibbles but all in all it was a good read.
The blurb intrigued me. There's plenty of sports romances out there but I don't think I can think of any that feature cricket. This pleased me as I'm a bit of a cricket nerd. I was actually born in a cricket club. No lie, lol. There were a couple of small cricket references in this that weren't accurate but probably not that many people would notice. Like I said, I'm a cricket nerd.
This story follows Lyssa. She has put aside her dream of playing cricket to take care of her small nephew. She is offered the job as a fitness coach at the top men's team and she jumps at the chance. She's good at what she does but that means nothing to Jase Willis, captain of the team, star player but a bit of a chauvinist with an ego to match. Fun times ensue.
I enjoyed the dynamic between them and watching the story between them grow. The writing was overall pretty good. For me there was a little bit too much tell in the narrative but it wasn't awful. I also found some of the dialogue a little stilted, but this wasn't that bad either. Obviously everyone's different and others probably wouldn't notice or even agree. I'm just anal about things like that, lol.
The characters were all good. I liked Lys and Jase and learning more about them. The supporting characters were also good and added their own important parts to the story. The plot flowed well and I finished in one sitting.
There was humour, romance and sexy times but some emotion as well.
If you like a sports romance then I think you will enjoy this. I will read more from this author in future. I enjoyed this.
Calling All Bookaholics.
The blurb intrigued me. There's plenty of sports romances out there but I don't think I can think of any that feature cricket. This pleased me as I'm a bit of a cricket nerd. I was actually born in a cricket club. No lie, lol. There were a couple of small cricket references in this that weren't accurate but probably not that many people would notice. Like I said, I'm a cricket nerd.
This story follows Lyssa. She has put aside her dream of playing cricket to take care of her small nephew. She is offered the job as a fitness coach at the top men's team and she jumps at the chance. She's good at what she does but that means nothing to Jase Willis, captain of the team, star player but a bit of a chauvinist with an ego to match. Fun times ensue.
I enjoyed the dynamic between them and watching the story between them grow. The writing was overall pretty good. For me there was a little bit too much tell in the narrative but it wasn't awful. I also found some of the dialogue a little stilted, but this wasn't that bad either. Obviously everyone's different and others probably wouldn't notice or even agree. I'm just anal about things like that, lol.
The characters were all good. I liked Lys and Jase and learning more about them. The supporting characters were also good and added their own important parts to the story. The plot flowed well and I finished in one sitting.
There was humour, romance and sexy times but some emotion as well.
If you like a sports romance then I think you will enjoy this. I will read more from this author in future. I enjoyed this.
Calling All Bookaholics.
February 13, 2018
4.5 Crowns
A standalone Sport Romance, unrelated to any of Anna Bloom’s back catalogue.
A woman with big balls – check
A moody, hot sportsman – check
An interesting back story – check
A cute kid – check
I was always going to love this book. This is my first Anna Bloom book, but having met and had a chat with her at a recent intimate book signing, I knew that out all her books, this would be right up my alley; and it really was.
I won’t get into a story overview, because the synopsis really does tell you all you need to know. What I will say though is that this book had everything I like in a sport related romance story. What I liked about this book was that it was in the world of the quintessentially British sport of Cricket. Now, before you think that isn’t for you… seriously it will be, because the beauty of this book is the balance that Anna has got just right. Yes, this is the world of Cricket, and it is a major part of both Lyssa’s and “the Lancashire Lion’s” lives, but you won’t be reading about runs, wickets and balls (well maybe some balls). This book is really about finding love when your first passion lays in a game. It is an engaging romance, without the sickly, boring and obvious insta-love. The characters have something about them, and both have great back stories. I enjoyed every single page.
So if you are looking for a great romance with a British voice, a book that will remind you of a beautiful summer day (maybe whilst holding a Pimms), then this really is a must read… even if you aren’t a fan of Cricket.
A standalone Sport Romance, unrelated to any of Anna Bloom’s back catalogue.
A woman with big balls – check
A moody, hot sportsman – check
An interesting back story – check
A cute kid – check
I was always going to love this book. This is my first Anna Bloom book, but having met and had a chat with her at a recent intimate book signing, I knew that out all her books, this would be right up my alley; and it really was.
I won’t get into a story overview, because the synopsis really does tell you all you need to know. What I will say though is that this book had everything I like in a sport related romance story. What I liked about this book was that it was in the world of the quintessentially British sport of Cricket. Now, before you think that isn’t for you… seriously it will be, because the beauty of this book is the balance that Anna has got just right. Yes, this is the world of Cricket, and it is a major part of both Lyssa’s and “the Lancashire Lion’s” lives, but you won’t be reading about runs, wickets and balls (well maybe some balls). This book is really about finding love when your first passion lays in a game. It is an engaging romance, without the sickly, boring and obvious insta-love. The characters have something about them, and both have great back stories. I enjoyed every single page.
So if you are looking for a great romance with a British voice, a book that will remind you of a beautiful summer day (maybe whilst holding a Pimms), then this really is a must read… even if you aren’t a fan of Cricket.
June 1, 2017
Over the past year I've become a huge fan of Anna Bloom's stories. She really knows how to capture her audience and keep you turning the pages. Each book that she writes just seems to get better and better. The Game was no exception. Jase 'The Lion' Willis is a god in the cricket world. However his is also an a** and proves that daily. Alyssa Rivers has had her life turned upside down and has taken a job as the fitness coach for the Red Cats cricket team, the very same team The Lion is caption of. These two butt heads on a regular basis until things start to change between them. However, because of the contracts they signed they have to keep their "relationship" a secret. To Alyssa the people she loves becomes more important to her than the game of cricket. To Jase, the game is more important, r is it? These two were fun to read. Their attitude toward each other in public and then in private was so different. You really got to see the amazing man that Jase was away from the public eye. And their connection! When you finally learn about how they are connected to each other and how Jase never forgets... wow. It was a slow burn to them finally getting together, but it was so worth it in the end!
May 19, 2017
Must read ❤
This is the first book iv read from Anna Bloom (but definitely not the last) and what a fantastic read this was.x
The Game had me turning page after page. I wanted to know what happened next whilst not wanting it to end. The passion this book holds is amazing. I love Jase and Lyssa, both characters have a strong passion for cricket and for what they believe in. The game is a must read and I recommend this to all to read.
Fantastic epilogue that made my heart swoon
*****spoiler alert*****
The Lancashire Lion Jase Willis is a former,very well known player of the England test cricket team resigned as Captain, and was now the Captain of The Red Cats. Willis is quite a few years older than Lyssa but that doesn't stop him wanting her.
Lyssa is a strong character in which she had a loss of her brother and sister-in-law in a terrible accident and was left with her 6year old nephew to care for, I loved little Sammy and his passion for catching ball. Lyssa a former player before her injury now is a fitness coach for The Red Cats. It was a love/hate relationship with the mighty Willis and this is what made the story more heart thumping.
This is the first book iv read from Anna Bloom (but definitely not the last) and what a fantastic read this was.x
The Game had me turning page after page. I wanted to know what happened next whilst not wanting it to end. The passion this book holds is amazing. I love Jase and Lyssa, both characters have a strong passion for cricket and for what they believe in. The game is a must read and I recommend this to all to read.
Fantastic epilogue that made my heart swoon
*****spoiler alert*****
The Lancashire Lion Jase Willis is a former,very well known player of the England test cricket team resigned as Captain, and was now the Captain of The Red Cats. Willis is quite a few years older than Lyssa but that doesn't stop him wanting her.
Lyssa is a strong character in which she had a loss of her brother and sister-in-law in a terrible accident and was left with her 6year old nephew to care for, I loved little Sammy and his passion for catching ball. Lyssa a former player before her injury now is a fitness coach for The Red Cats. It was a love/hate relationship with the mighty Willis and this is what made the story more heart thumping.
November 9, 2017
This book was alright. I didn't care for it at first because I thought it was closely following along with a Rugby book I read earlier this year. However, after chapter 4 or 5, it went in a complete different direction and that made me happy.
Also, I admit - I had to watch the "Basics of Cricket" on YouTube because I had no idea what Cricket looked like or how it was played.
This is truly about players who LOVE the game. There is a nice romantic quality to the book as well, yet there were things that took me by surprise and were't quite adding up. I want to know more about Jase's backstory and truly why he is so angry. I don't feel like this was really dealt with or the lame excuse that was given didn't give me enough to think that was all.
Also, the surprise with her injury - that left me a little clueless. I felt like I personally was being duped, although there were several hints that would make you believe this was the case. Sorry, you really have to read this book to figure out what I am talking about.
Also, I admit - I had to watch the "Basics of Cricket" on YouTube because I had no idea what Cricket looked like or how it was played.
This is truly about players who LOVE the game. There is a nice romantic quality to the book as well, yet there were things that took me by surprise and were't quite adding up. I want to know more about Jase's backstory and truly why he is so angry. I don't feel like this was really dealt with or the lame excuse that was given didn't give me enough to think that was all.
Also, the surprise with her injury - that left me a little clueless. I felt like I personally was being duped, although there were several hints that would make you believe this was the case. Sorry, you really have to read this book to figure out what I am talking about.
June 9, 2017
A fantastic read based around Lyssa, a strong, independent female cricketer who has accepted a position as a men's team's trainer and has to confront Jase Willis, the team's star player with whom she has an antagonistic relationship since he made a misogynistic comment to her when she was a teen. Great secondary characters, including Sammy, Lyssa's adorable nephew, his grandparents, her bestie (a fellow female cricketer still playing the game), and members of the team she coaches. But the heart of the book is the revelation of a growing relationship between Lyssa and the temperamental Jase, who seems to put nothing ahead of his cricket career. Steam, romance and heartwarming family moments, this one was a winner. I don't typically go for sports romances, but made an exception for this one and I'm glad I did.
I received an Advanced Copy of this book from the author at no cost. This is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an Advanced Copy of this book from the author at no cost. This is my voluntary and honest review.
April 5, 2018
This one kept me entertained, which some days is all I can ask for. The editing was okay - several misses along the way. It is written with the 'Queen's English', which means that the garden is the yard, and several other similar differences in word choice. Not an issue, just a head's up.
Alyssa grew up playing cricket, but a family tragedy has propelled her to leave playing and try being a fitness coach for a men's team. Unfortunately, Jase is captain of the team. They have a history - he once said girls shouldn't play cricket and he was referencing Alyssa when he uttered the words. Now, they might as well be practicing in the arctic for the warmth that exists in the locker room and on the field. It is clear why Alyssa doesn't care for Jase, but is his animosity solely due to the fact that she is a woman? As the season progresses, a tentative friendship arises, but will it be enough to thaw out the ice?
This was a quick read, and all in all pretty entertaining. Enjoy.
Alyssa grew up playing cricket, but a family tragedy has propelled her to leave playing and try being a fitness coach for a men's team. Unfortunately, Jase is captain of the team. They have a history - he once said girls shouldn't play cricket and he was referencing Alyssa when he uttered the words. Now, they might as well be practicing in the arctic for the warmth that exists in the locker room and on the field. It is clear why Alyssa doesn't care for Jase, but is his animosity solely due to the fact that she is a woman? As the season progresses, a tentative friendship arises, but will it be enough to thaw out the ice?
This was a quick read, and all in all pretty entertaining. Enjoy.
May 25, 2017
I've read quite a few of Anna Bloom's books, and have really enjoyed them all. The Game is certainly in the must read category, but I will say, you should probably know a little bit about Cricket, sadly I don't. The book took a bit to get started for me, definitely an emotional read with Lyssa and her family situation, and loved the "little guy". The Lancashire Lion was a pain in the backside, funny, definitely had his issues, but man was he hot! The chemistry between these two was off the charts when they finally came together, the two were pretty funny together, very heartwarming in places. Loved the twist towards the end, and definitely loved the ending. This book might take you a bit to get into if you don't have any knowledge of cricket, but once it settles in and takes off, you are roped in to a pretty great book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
June 7, 2017
The Game is an enemies to lovers read set within the back drop of the cricket world. I am a big fan of both tropes so I was excited to read this especially as I had not read any books with Cricket as the feature sport.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. The romance element was somewhat of a slow burn but I really enjoyed reading how the main characters connected and they had great chemistry. Both characters were intriguing but I never really felt that I connected to Jase whereas I was fully invested in Lyssa's journey.
The highlight of the book for me was that it had a really subtle emotional edge to it that really tugged at the heart strings. With minimal drama and hot scenes this was an engrossing read.
3.5 stars
I was provided with a copy of this book from the Publisher; there was no inducement or obligation.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. The romance element was somewhat of a slow burn but I really enjoyed reading how the main characters connected and they had great chemistry. Both characters were intriguing but I never really felt that I connected to Jase whereas I was fully invested in Lyssa's journey.
The highlight of the book for me was that it had a really subtle emotional edge to it that really tugged at the heart strings. With minimal drama and hot scenes this was an engrossing read.
3.5 stars
I was provided with a copy of this book from the Publisher; there was no inducement or obligation.
November 20, 2017
Enjoyable and well written...
Well I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book..coming from the UK I understand the rules of cricket but it has never struck me as a particularly sexy sport.... Jase is the team captain with self indulgent tendencies and Alyssa is the newly appointed team fitness trainer...there is some history between these two and the scene is set for some heated interactions and hot encounters...
The premise of the story was interesting and I liked Alyssa’s strength of character but Jase is really too egotistical for my taste although in fairness his emotional intelligence develops over the course of the book...I particularly enjoyed the humour which is woven throughout the story ...
This was an enjoyable and well written sports romance.... I received a copy of this book through the Quirky Blind Date with a Book
Well I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book..coming from the UK I understand the rules of cricket but it has never struck me as a particularly sexy sport.... Jase is the team captain with self indulgent tendencies and Alyssa is the newly appointed team fitness trainer...there is some history between these two and the scene is set for some heated interactions and hot encounters...
The premise of the story was interesting and I liked Alyssa’s strength of character but Jase is really too egotistical for my taste although in fairness his emotional intelligence develops over the course of the book...I particularly enjoyed the humour which is woven throughout the story ...
This was an enjoyable and well written sports romance.... I received a copy of this book through the Quirky Blind Date with a Book
June 6, 2017
This is the first opportunity I've had to read a book of Ms. Bloom's. I don't know anything about cricket and kept imaging they were playing baseball so as not to get caught up in my lack of understanding the terminology.
I don't usually go for books involving athletes, while an attempt at adding a little mystery to the story left me confused in the beginning I soon was enthralled with what could be the start of a biopic of a woman's start in a role usually held by men.
While there were tension between these two characters from the start, I felt the characters were thrust to together rather suddenly turning their conflict into sexual tension. All in all this was a good quick read that'll have me reading another one of Ms. Bloom's books.
I don't usually go for books involving athletes, while an attempt at adding a little mystery to the story left me confused in the beginning I soon was enthralled with what could be the start of a biopic of a woman's start in a role usually held by men.
While there were tension between these two characters from the start, I felt the characters were thrust to together rather suddenly turning their conflict into sexual tension. All in all this was a good quick read that'll have me reading another one of Ms. Bloom's books.
June 8, 2017
I love Anna's books and this is one of my favourites so far. She knows how to write brilliant books that have her readers complete captivated and totally swooning. I highly recommend this book, definite MUST READ.
Alyssa used to play cricket until a family tradegy and 'injury' forced her into early retirement so she has taken on a job as Fitness coach for a men's 20/20 cricket team. She is going to have her work cut out for her especially with the teams captain Jase. He seems to hate her on sight and the feeling is mutal.
The chemistry between Alyssa and Jase is scorching hot even when they are more enemies.
Even if your not a fan of cricket like me (except for the pimms) you will love this book, you will be hooked from beginning to end.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the Author and Bare Naked Words
https://www.facebook.com/Bookloversre...
Alyssa used to play cricket until a family tradegy and 'injury' forced her into early retirement so she has taken on a job as Fitness coach for a men's 20/20 cricket team. She is going to have her work cut out for her especially with the teams captain Jase. He seems to hate her on sight and the feeling is mutal.
The chemistry between Alyssa and Jase is scorching hot even when they are more enemies.
Even if your not a fan of cricket like me (except for the pimms) you will love this book, you will be hooked from beginning to end.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the Author and Bare Naked Words
https://www.facebook.com/Bookloversre...
November 22, 2017
I loved this story so much. Can a sweet, seemingly innocent girl who gives up her love in order to protect and provide for her family change a super arrogant, misogynistic, angry man? Lyssi loves cricket (and yes you may want to you tube it...it is a fascinating sport) but she loves her family more. She can't stay away thus takes a job as a trainer for a men's professional team. Jase "The Lion" Willis absolutely does not want her there. He doesn't believe women belong anywhere near the sport.
There are fireworks aplenty when these two are in the same room and it isn't always anger. Anna Bloom writes a beautifully charged love story where you would never expect to see one and I for one loved the journey.
There are fireworks aplenty when these two are in the same room and it isn't always anger. Anna Bloom writes a beautifully charged love story where you would never expect to see one and I for one loved the journey.
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