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Rugby #4
The Varlet and the Voyeur
He kept his salacious secret for years. But soon, everyone is going to be reading about it in their morning paper…
THE VARLET (and the VOYEUR)
William Moore is a long way from home. A farm boy from Oklahoma, he’s now the most well-respected member of the Irish rugby team. But appearances are often deceptive, and Will isn’t the clean-cut, all-American good-guy everyone imagines him to be. He’s got a secret, one that will tarnish his reputation forever.
THE VOYEUR (and the VARLET)
Josey Kavanagh is a self-proclaimed mess, but she’s finally getting her shi… uh, act together. She’s set her sights on becoming a veterinarian, but there’s one teeny tiny road bump. Her living arrangements are coming to an abrupt end, leaving Josey homeless and in need of a job to pay her way through college.
THE PLAN
What he needs is a companion to keep him on the right path.
What she needs is an apartment with free rent.
Will is convinced Josey will make the perfect companion, since she’s brutally honest and basically ‘just one of the guys.’ Josey is convinced she can ensure Will doesn’t succumb to his voyeuristic proclivities by keeping a scrupulous eye on him.
Except, what happens when the varlet is tempted by the voyeur, and vice-versa?!
Perchance something very, very volatile. And vexing.
The Varlet and the Voyeur is a full-length romantic comedy novel, can be read as a standalone, and is the 4th (and last) book in the USA TODAY bestselling Rugby Series.
THE VARLET (and the VOYEUR)
William Moore is a long way from home. A farm boy from Oklahoma, he’s now the most well-respected member of the Irish rugby team. But appearances are often deceptive, and Will isn’t the clean-cut, all-American good-guy everyone imagines him to be. He’s got a secret, one that will tarnish his reputation forever.
THE VOYEUR (and the VARLET)
Josey Kavanagh is a self-proclaimed mess, but she’s finally getting her shi… uh, act together. She’s set her sights on becoming a veterinarian, but there’s one teeny tiny road bump. Her living arrangements are coming to an abrupt end, leaving Josey homeless and in need of a job to pay her way through college.
THE PLAN
What he needs is a companion to keep him on the right path.
What she needs is an apartment with free rent.
Will is convinced Josey will make the perfect companion, since she’s brutally honest and basically ‘just one of the guys.’ Josey is convinced she can ensure Will doesn’t succumb to his voyeuristic proclivities by keeping a scrupulous eye on him.
Except, what happens when the varlet is tempted by the voyeur, and vice-versa?!
Perchance something very, very volatile. And vexing.
The Varlet and the Voyeur is a full-length romantic comedy novel, can be read as a standalone, and is the 4th (and last) book in the USA TODAY bestselling Rugby Series.
344 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2018
1094 people are currently reading
4961 people want to read
About the author
L.H. Cosway
57 books5,917 followersL.H. Cosway lives in Ireland. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, food, musical comedy, and of course, books. She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 860 reviews
June 18, 2018
Five +++ Crazy-Fun Stars********
L.H Cosway and Penny Reid make a fabulous team when they create stories together. I love their books separately, and together they are like peanut butter and chocolate, just wonderful when combined. This fourth book in the rugby series was total fun for me, when I say this, I mean I was laughing throughout the entire read. This book was full of sexy times and belly laughs, which again, for me is the perfect combination.
William Moore is the good guy of the Rugby team. He doesn’t drink much, doesn’t date, is always polite and always a gentleman, but he does have a secret, and it's threatening to sabotage his perfect career. Josey Kavanagh is a twenty six year old girl that still lives at home. Josey is genuinely happy to live at home with her parents, she lacks social interaction because she’s always with them and her tiny dog Rocky. Her parents are seeing their mistakes in coddling Josey too much, and they tell her it's time to go on her own and find her own life, outside in the real world.
Will is looking for answers to fix the big scandal that he is causing for the team, and he thinks living alone is just not doing him any favors; he needs a companion, someone honest to a fault that will keep him away from trouble. Josey needs a place to stay, and a job, so when Bryan, Will’s teammate offers the solution of them being roommates, both Will and Josey accept.
These two couldn’t possibly be more opposite. Where Will is quiet and composed, Josey is EXTREMELY talkative and a bit nutty. Will is immediately dazzled by Josey and her weirdness, he actually finds it endearing. Josey who is a bit of a horn-ball is immediately attracted by him but only in a sexual way. Their interactions are pure, unadulterated fun. And then from fun, they turn into red-hot sexy. Both Josey and Will have problems admitting their true feelings and intentions towards one another, but lucky for us the road to a happy ending both literally and figuratively speaking, will be one hell of a crazy, and sexy ride.
Once again I love yet another book in this series. I don’t know anything about Rugby but I’m thinking about moving to Ireland to study the players, I mean the game, the game...*wink after reading this wonderful series.
L.H Cosway and Penny Reid make a fabulous team when they create stories together. I love their books separately, and together they are like peanut butter and chocolate, just wonderful when combined. This fourth book in the rugby series was total fun for me, when I say this, I mean I was laughing throughout the entire read. This book was full of sexy times and belly laughs, which again, for me is the perfect combination.
William Moore is the good guy of the Rugby team. He doesn’t drink much, doesn’t date, is always polite and always a gentleman, but he does have a secret, and it's threatening to sabotage his perfect career. Josey Kavanagh is a twenty six year old girl that still lives at home. Josey is genuinely happy to live at home with her parents, she lacks social interaction because she’s always with them and her tiny dog Rocky. Her parents are seeing their mistakes in coddling Josey too much, and they tell her it's time to go on her own and find her own life, outside in the real world.
Will is looking for answers to fix the big scandal that he is causing for the team, and he thinks living alone is just not doing him any favors; he needs a companion, someone honest to a fault that will keep him away from trouble. Josey needs a place to stay, and a job, so when Bryan, Will’s teammate offers the solution of them being roommates, both Will and Josey accept.
These two couldn’t possibly be more opposite. Where Will is quiet and composed, Josey is EXTREMELY talkative and a bit nutty. Will is immediately dazzled by Josey and her weirdness, he actually finds it endearing. Josey who is a bit of a horn-ball is immediately attracted by him but only in a sexual way. Their interactions are pure, unadulterated fun. And then from fun, they turn into red-hot sexy. Both Josey and Will have problems admitting their true feelings and intentions towards one another, but lucky for us the road to a happy ending both literally and figuratively speaking, will be one hell of a crazy, and sexy ride.
Once again I love yet another book in this series. I don’t know anything about Rugby but I’m thinking about moving to Ireland to study the players, I mean the game, the game...*wink after reading this wonderful series.
Want to read
September 3, 2020
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March 13, 2023
L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid are a brilliant writing duo and The Voyeur and the Varlet is a captivating addition to their Rugby series.
Josey Kavanagh was adrift, until she found her passion for animals and decided to become a veterinarian. The only problem is that she has no money to support herself much less pay for her tuition. Crashing with her best friend Eilish and her rugby player boyfriend was a good idea at first, but her oddball ways have worn out her welcome. Fortunately they have a solution!
Rule abiding, rugby star William Moore’s secret sexual preferences got leaked to the media and has sparked a scandal that won’t go away. His voyeuristic tendencies have smeared his clean-cut image and now he needs a roommate that will help him keep his inclinations in check. Who better for the job than the fiercely straightforward Josey whose openness reminds him of his brother? But what happens when the blinds come off and Will sees the woman?
When it comes to a Penny Reid or an L.H. Cosway or a Reid + Cosway book, there’s always so much to talk about, so I’ll try to be brief. They crafted a witty and appealing story, with addictively sultry passages interweaved with a heartwarming and sweet romance. That’s it! No? You want more? Ok, let’s talk about the characters.
Josey is an irresistibly quirky and self-conscious heroine, while still being practical. William’s turmoil was moving and it feeds the relationship building between him and Josey and makes him a great mix of deliciously naughty and charming. While their romance grows, the chemistry between them smolders, and their story in general filled me with all the best feels from start to finish.
Although this is a completely standalone book, it’s still part of a series and in being so we get to meet up with our friends from previous books which not only supplemented the story line but was also super fun.
If you’re looking for a happily ever after that’s both sweet and sexy, you can’t go wrong with a Reid + Cosway combo who not only offer a heartfelt romance but also include humor and awesome Twitter texts at the beginning of each chapter that help set the mood for what’s to come!
The Voyeur and the Varlet is book #4 and last in the Rugby series by L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid. It is a standalone, contemporary sports romance that made me smile, laugh, fan myself, and even tear up a bit. Told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2sYEi4G
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via SocialButterfly. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Twitter * Pinterest Book Teasers * More reviews
Josey Kavanagh was adrift, until she found her passion for animals and decided to become a veterinarian. The only problem is that she has no money to support herself much less pay for her tuition. Crashing with her best friend Eilish and her rugby player boyfriend was a good idea at first, but her oddball ways have worn out her welcome. Fortunately they have a solution!
Rule abiding, rugby star William Moore’s secret sexual preferences got leaked to the media and has sparked a scandal that won’t go away. His voyeuristic tendencies have smeared his clean-cut image and now he needs a roommate that will help him keep his inclinations in check. Who better for the job than the fiercely straightforward Josey whose openness reminds him of his brother? But what happens when the blinds come off and Will sees the woman?
When it comes to a Penny Reid or an L.H. Cosway or a Reid + Cosway book, there’s always so much to talk about, so I’ll try to be brief. They crafted a witty and appealing story, with addictively sultry passages interweaved with a heartwarming and sweet romance. That’s it! No? You want more? Ok, let’s talk about the characters.
Josey is an irresistibly quirky and self-conscious heroine, while still being practical. William’s turmoil was moving and it feeds the relationship building between him and Josey and makes him a great mix of deliciously naughty and charming. While their romance grows, the chemistry between them smolders, and their story in general filled me with all the best feels from start to finish.
Although this is a completely standalone book, it’s still part of a series and in being so we get to meet up with our friends from previous books which not only supplemented the story line but was also super fun.
If you’re looking for a happily ever after that’s both sweet and sexy, you can’t go wrong with a Reid + Cosway combo who not only offer a heartfelt romance but also include humor and awesome Twitter texts at the beginning of each chapter that help set the mood for what’s to come!
The Voyeur and the Varlet is book #4 and last in the Rugby series by L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid. It is a standalone, contemporary sports romance that made me smile, laugh, fan myself, and even tear up a bit. Told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2sYEi4G
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via SocialButterfly. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Twitter * Pinterest Book Teasers * More reviews
June 11, 2018
4 stars!
The dynamic duo of Penny Reid and LH Cosway strikes again with the 4th book in their Rugby series, The Varlet and the Voyeur. I’m not gonna lie, this book got off to a bit of a rocky start for me. I wasn’t 100% sure if I loved the heroine (don’t worry, she grows on you) and the actual topic of the story itself made me nervous. I should have known that Reid and Cosway would deliver. I ended up really enjoying it!
William Moore is a Rugby player from America. He’s the gentleman of the team. He’s quiet and well mannered. But he has a secret. A big one. And everyone is about to find out about it. Josey Kavanagh is awkward AF. Seriously. This poor girl made me cringe so many times she was so awkward. But she’s very sweet and has a big heart.
Josey and Will come to a place where they need each other. Josey needs a place to stay and Will needs a companion to stay with him. This arrangement works out very well for a while. Some how, these two characters really compliment each other. They don’t seem like they would, but they do. Even though it seems impossible, sparks start to fly.
I could feel the chemistry between these two. Will was enamored with Josie. Things that would annoy most people, or embarrass them, Will found charming. Through his eyes, so did I. Will was a great character. He was no pervert, if anything, he was noble and chivalrous. Josey made me cringe at first, but with time, I liked her a lot. She made me laugh and smile more times than I could count.
I loved that the characters were both unique and the story was original. This is definitely not a topic you read about every day, especially in romance. It’s refreshing. I love love love Reid and Cosway’s writing style. The Varlet and the Voyeur is sweet, sexy, funny, swoon worthy, and smart. Though this book won’t be for everyone, I think that most fans of this story will enjoy and appreciate it!
The dynamic duo of Penny Reid and LH Cosway strikes again with the 4th book in their Rugby series, The Varlet and the Voyeur. I’m not gonna lie, this book got off to a bit of a rocky start for me. I wasn’t 100% sure if I loved the heroine (don’t worry, she grows on you) and the actual topic of the story itself made me nervous. I should have known that Reid and Cosway would deliver. I ended up really enjoying it!
William Moore is a Rugby player from America. He’s the gentleman of the team. He’s quiet and well mannered. But he has a secret. A big one. And everyone is about to find out about it. Josey Kavanagh is awkward AF. Seriously. This poor girl made me cringe so many times she was so awkward. But she’s very sweet and has a big heart.
Josey and Will come to a place where they need each other. Josey needs a place to stay and Will needs a companion to stay with him. This arrangement works out very well for a while. Some how, these two characters really compliment each other. They don’t seem like they would, but they do. Even though it seems impossible, sparks start to fly.
“Are you interested in ordinary sex?”
“No, I'm interested in extraordinary sex. With you.”
I could feel the chemistry between these two. Will was enamored with Josie. Things that would annoy most people, or embarrass them, Will found charming. Through his eyes, so did I. Will was a great character. He was no pervert, if anything, he was noble and chivalrous. Josey made me cringe at first, but with time, I liked her a lot. She made me laugh and smile more times than I could count.
I loved that the characters were both unique and the story was original. This is definitely not a topic you read about every day, especially in romance. It’s refreshing. I love love love Reid and Cosway’s writing style. The Varlet and the Voyeur is sweet, sexy, funny, swoon worthy, and smart. Though this book won’t be for everyone, I think that most fans of this story will enjoy and appreciate it!
June 23, 2018
*****4.5 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Authors}
I had no thoughts of rules or boundaries, just of Josey. Rightness, bone-deep satisfaction as I lay on her, our bodies still joined. Maybe it was madness, but a visceral sense of belonging warmed me, feverish in its intensity. Not just that I belonged with her—here, now—but that I belonged to her, with no limitations on place and time.
The ”Rugby” series is one of my favorites. I truly love the individual works by both L.H. Conway and Penny Reid, but when they write together, it’s pretty fantastic. Each Heroine in this series seems to be quirky but it only adds to their endearing personalities. Josey and Will’s story will start off a bit unconventionally but I am sure that fans of these authors and this series will really enjoy this one.
William Moore is somewhat socially awkward. He’s the most reserved and quiet member of his Rugby team but unfortunately for him, he has become the center of a huge scandal. He has a secret fetish that has been discovered by the gossip magazines. Will has been burned badly in his past and it’s made him avoid intimacy and relationships with women. The only way he relieves some of his sexual tension is by watching consenting married couples have sex. He doesn’t take part and he never pays to watch, and so to him, he sees it all as being safe. When his teammate Bryan was living with him, he didn't have any time to even think about his voyeuristic needs. But the moment he was living alone, the silence and loneliness had him turning to his kinky side again.
Josey Kavanagh has just been evicted from her family home by her parents. They’re also told her that they will no longer be paying for her veterinary school tuition. Lost and bewildered she ends up staying over at her good friend Eilish’s house. Eilish and Bryan are the couple from the previous book ”The Cad and The Coed”. Josey is a bit of a social misfit. She often says the most inappropriate things at inopportune moments because she tends to ramble to avoid awkward moments of silence. She’s a pretty lovable character and although I had really loved Bryan in his story, I kind of disliked him in this one because he was often rude and spoke badly of Josey. BUT, he is the one who gets the bright idea to have Will hire her as his keeper and roommate. The team is trying to salvage Will’s reputation and since his voyeurism need disappears when he has a roommate, Bryan suggests that Josey takes on that role. Josey jumps at the chance because she gets a place to live and a salary which solves all of her current problems.
Their first encounter is a little awkward but from the start, Will senses that Josey is perfect for the job. They enter into an easy friendship and their living situation turns out to be very agreeable for the both of them. But soon Josey and Will are feeling more than friendly and it rattles them. The fears that they each carry deep inside have them doubting anything good or lasting can develop between them.
When Will and Josey finally admit their mutual attraction to each other and somehow agree that a serious relationship would never work out between them, they both agree to a ”friends with benefits” arrangement while they spend two weeks in Australia where Will and his teammates are training for the upcoming season.
Once these two get a taste of each other, it'll be hard to deny that they’ve got something pretty monumental building between them. Can they go back to being just friends and roommates when they return to Ireland? Or will their two weeks of passion end up ruining their perfect living situation at home and ultimately tearing them apart forever?
Here are my overall ratings
Hero: 4.5
Heroine: 4.5
Plot: 4.5
Angst: 4
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
THE VARLET AND THE VOYEUR is currently available.
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2l89gDn
Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/TheVarlet
{ARC Generously Provided by Authors}
I had no thoughts of rules or boundaries, just of Josey. Rightness, bone-deep satisfaction as I lay on her, our bodies still joined. Maybe it was madness, but a visceral sense of belonging warmed me, feverish in its intensity. Not just that I belonged with her—here, now—but that I belonged to her, with no limitations on place and time.
The ”Rugby” series is one of my favorites. I truly love the individual works by both L.H. Conway and Penny Reid, but when they write together, it’s pretty fantastic. Each Heroine in this series seems to be quirky but it only adds to their endearing personalities. Josey and Will’s story will start off a bit unconventionally but I am sure that fans of these authors and this series will really enjoy this one.
William Moore is somewhat socially awkward. He’s the most reserved and quiet member of his Rugby team but unfortunately for him, he has become the center of a huge scandal. He has a secret fetish that has been discovered by the gossip magazines. Will has been burned badly in his past and it’s made him avoid intimacy and relationships with women. The only way he relieves some of his sexual tension is by watching consenting married couples have sex. He doesn’t take part and he never pays to watch, and so to him, he sees it all as being safe. When his teammate Bryan was living with him, he didn't have any time to even think about his voyeuristic needs. But the moment he was living alone, the silence and loneliness had him turning to his kinky side again.
Josey Kavanagh has just been evicted from her family home by her parents. They’re also told her that they will no longer be paying for her veterinary school tuition. Lost and bewildered she ends up staying over at her good friend Eilish’s house. Eilish and Bryan are the couple from the previous book ”The Cad and The Coed”. Josey is a bit of a social misfit. She often says the most inappropriate things at inopportune moments because she tends to ramble to avoid awkward moments of silence. She’s a pretty lovable character and although I had really loved Bryan in his story, I kind of disliked him in this one because he was often rude and spoke badly of Josey. BUT, he is the one who gets the bright idea to have Will hire her as his keeper and roommate. The team is trying to salvage Will’s reputation and since his voyeurism need disappears when he has a roommate, Bryan suggests that Josey takes on that role. Josey jumps at the chance because she gets a place to live and a salary which solves all of her current problems.
Their first encounter is a little awkward but from the start, Will senses that Josey is perfect for the job. They enter into an easy friendship and their living situation turns out to be very agreeable for the both of them. But soon Josey and Will are feeling more than friendly and it rattles them. The fears that they each carry deep inside have them doubting anything good or lasting can develop between them.
When Will and Josey finally admit their mutual attraction to each other and somehow agree that a serious relationship would never work out between them, they both agree to a ”friends with benefits” arrangement while they spend two weeks in Australia where Will and his teammates are training for the upcoming season.
Once these two get a taste of each other, it'll be hard to deny that they’ve got something pretty monumental building between them. Can they go back to being just friends and roommates when they return to Ireland? Or will their two weeks of passion end up ruining their perfect living situation at home and ultimately tearing them apart forever?
Here are my overall ratings
Hero: 4.5
Heroine: 4.5
Plot: 4.5
Angst: 4
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
THE VARLET AND THE VOYEUR is currently available.
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2l89gDn
Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/TheVarlet
June 23, 2018
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
*Blog tour with giveaway HERE
I honestly have no clue how to write this review so I apologize in advance for how jumbled this is about to sound. The story wasn't a bad one, and I liked the writing, but I think I just didn't understand it. I didn't connect to either of these character one bit so it made it hard for me to connect to and enjoy the story.
They say first impressions matter, and well Josey did not impress me when we first met her. She's 26, in college, and living at home with her parents. And what does this 26 year old woman do after her parents inform her that they lost their money in a bad investment and will have to sell the house, won't be able to continue paying for her school, and suggest she find a place of her own? Well of course she does what any other self respecting grown woman would do...she throws an over-dramatic fit, packs her bags right then and there, and leaves with no clue where exactly she's going to actually go. With no regard for her parents who have to sell their home, but only worried about herself.
For me this all just turned me off of her character right away. Not only did she come off as very self absorbed and immature, but it's also a big pet peeve of mine to read about a character that gets mad/upset that their parents won't pay for their schooling. It is very possible to go to school without someone else paying for it. If you want it that bad there are loans, and you could work even though that does make going to school a little harder. Not impossible though, and I'm over reading about characters acting like brats just because they have to grow up and start paying their own way.
Moving on from my rant, I can say Will was an okay character and didn't annoy me as much as Josey did in the beginning. But I never felt like I knew him, and his situation is where most of my confusion came from with this story. Being a Rugby player he was in the spotlight, so when it came out that he was a voyeur and liked to watch couples being intimate, it was clearly a bad thing for his career. Especially when you throw in the prostitute that lied and said he hired her. But I didn't get the big deal about voyeurism being his kink. Secondary characters were acting like he had some addiction and had to be watched all the time, enter the heroine as a roommate, and were always trying to make sure he was okay.
I just didn't get it at all and it started to annoy me the more his kink was treated like a bad thing. Sure, it wasn't a great thing for his image but let people have their kink without feeling ashamed! And the fact that I didn't feel like it was treated that way during his own POV's just added to my confusion.
So if you made it this far in my rambling review, I'll tell you to still give this book a try if it sounds interesting for you. I can't say that this was my favorite book these authors have written, but it wasn't bad and I think a lot of people will still find it very interesting.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
*Blog tour with giveaway HERE
I honestly have no clue how to write this review so I apologize in advance for how jumbled this is about to sound. The story wasn't a bad one, and I liked the writing, but I think I just didn't understand it. I didn't connect to either of these character one bit so it made it hard for me to connect to and enjoy the story.
They say first impressions matter, and well Josey did not impress me when we first met her. She's 26, in college, and living at home with her parents. And what does this 26 year old woman do after her parents inform her that they lost their money in a bad investment and will have to sell the house, won't be able to continue paying for her school, and suggest she find a place of her own? Well of course she does what any other self respecting grown woman would do...she throws an over-dramatic fit, packs her bags right then and there, and leaves with no clue where exactly she's going to actually go. With no regard for her parents who have to sell their home, but only worried about herself.
For me this all just turned me off of her character right away. Not only did she come off as very self absorbed and immature, but it's also a big pet peeve of mine to read about a character that gets mad/upset that their parents won't pay for their schooling. It is very possible to go to school without someone else paying for it. If you want it that bad there are loans, and you could work even though that does make going to school a little harder. Not impossible though, and I'm over reading about characters acting like brats just because they have to grow up and start paying their own way.
Moving on from my rant, I can say Will was an okay character and didn't annoy me as much as Josey did in the beginning. But I never felt like I knew him, and his situation is where most of my confusion came from with this story. Being a Rugby player he was in the spotlight, so when it came out that he was a voyeur and liked to watch couples being intimate, it was clearly a bad thing for his career. Especially when you throw in the prostitute that lied and said he hired her. But I didn't get the big deal about voyeurism being his kink. Secondary characters were acting like he had some addiction and had to be watched all the time, enter the heroine as a roommate, and were always trying to make sure he was okay.
I just didn't get it at all and it started to annoy me the more his kink was treated like a bad thing. Sure, it wasn't a great thing for his image but let people have their kink without feeling ashamed! And the fact that I didn't feel like it was treated that way during his own POV's just added to my confusion.
So if you made it this far in my rambling review, I'll tell you to still give this book a try if it sounds interesting for you. I can't say that this was my favorite book these authors have written, but it wasn't bad and I think a lot of people will still find it very interesting.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2018
3.5 stars
The blurb, the awkward heroine, voyeur hero – sounds like not quite my reading preference.
And I shouldn’t have liked it so much *lol*.
I guess it takes a good writing talent to wrap an unusual trope and to make it to a good story! Well done!
TBH I didn’t like 1st 20-25%. I couldn’t connect to the characters.
Despite they clearly explained hero’s voyeurism and it was done well –> he didn’t ‘spy’ on people, he had clear arrangements with married couples. He didn’t participate and, as I understood, didn’t pleasure himself in front of these couples. He was actually celibate for 7 years, if I recall correctly, or at least for 3 years.
I had one fear about the heroine... *hmm, what could it be?*
They started with her living by her parents, being undecided about her career etc etc etc.
Plus clumsiness is also not my favorite female feature.
So, till approx. 25% I didn’t enjoy this story.
Could be me or it could be me *lol*
Back to my fear. Despite I didn’t get all heroine’s odd jokes and lines, I tried to connect to her. I need to like the heroine, otherwise I give up on the story. Well, I worried, I thought she was a 26-year unexperienced/virgin and would be put into the situation to ‘embrace’ her new-born sexuality and to accept all they give her.
But then….
Tadadada…. Tadadada….
She confirmed she not only was already deflowered, but had a good number of sexual partners and….
Tadadada…
had good sex in the past!
It was like to be invited to a vegetarian party and then suddenly be served a juicy steak! *lmao*
Combined with hero’s shyness it was delicious. So, the plot wasn’t double standards and sexism driven.
It’s not that I enjoyed everything and TBH some of their push-and-pull annoyed me a bit, but overall it was a good read.
Adorable hero. Liked him a lot. And I learned to like the heroine. Hot sex-scenes!
I don’t dare to recommend this book, the tastes are different.
I guess you need to be in a right mood for it.
Another review, which doesn’t make much sense?
I’m well-known in this area *lol*
But at least 1 true and clear fact -> I’m not a vegetarian! *lol*
The blurb, the awkward heroine, voyeur hero – sounds like not quite my reading preference.
And I shouldn’t have liked it so much *lol*.
I guess it takes a good writing talent to wrap an unusual trope and to make it to a good story! Well done!
TBH I didn’t like 1st 20-25%. I couldn’t connect to the characters.
Despite they clearly explained hero’s voyeurism and it was done well –> he didn’t ‘spy’ on people, he had clear arrangements with married couples. He didn’t participate and, as I understood, didn’t pleasure himself in front of these couples. He was actually celibate for 7 years, if I recall correctly, or at least for 3 years.
I had one fear about the heroine... *hmm, what could it be?*
They started with her living by her parents, being undecided about her career etc etc etc.
Plus clumsiness is also not my favorite female feature.
So, till approx. 25% I didn’t enjoy this story.
Could be me or it could be me *lol*
Back to my fear. Despite I didn’t get all heroine’s odd jokes and lines, I tried to connect to her. I need to like the heroine, otherwise I give up on the story. Well, I worried, I thought she was a 26-year unexperienced/virgin and would be put into the situation to ‘embrace’ her new-born sexuality and to accept all they give her.
But then….
Tadadada…. Tadadada….
She confirmed she not only was already deflowered, but had a good number of sexual partners and….
Tadadada…
had good sex in the past!
It was like to be invited to a vegetarian party and then suddenly be served a juicy steak! *lmao*
Combined with hero’s shyness it was delicious. So, the plot wasn’t double standards and sexism driven.
It’s not that I enjoyed everything and TBH some of their push-and-pull annoyed me a bit, but overall it was a good read.
Adorable hero. Liked him a lot. And I learned to like the heroine. Hot sex-scenes!
“In that case, I’m your willing participant. Also, you do realize that’s the first time you haven’t whispered the word sex around me?”
I placed a hand on my hip, thought on it, then smiled. “Do you know what? I think you’re right. Yippee! Look at me, sex, sex, sex, sexy, sexified sex,” I joked.
I don’t dare to recommend this book, the tastes are different.
I guess you need to be in a right mood for it.
“Your breakfast is getting cold!” Josey bellowed from the other room, breaking me out of my stupor.
“Come eat something that’s not my cake or my vagina.”
Another review, which doesn’t make much sense?
I’m well-known in this area *lol*
But at least 1 true and clear fact -> I’m not a vegetarian! *lol*
June 15, 2018
3.5 Rules/No Rules Stars
* * *1/2 Spoiler Free It's Live
I have a well documented history of loving the works of L.H. Cosway, Penny Reid individually and the works of their partnership. They have brought me many hours of total enjoyment. This series has been a winner for me and so when I started this last entry, I was geared to go...
Quirky, unedited thoughts and the internal thoughts of wishing one hadn't said what they did... those are elements which describe Josey Kavanagh. Josey's parents have supported all of the career choices she has pursued. Josey now feels she has finally figured out what she wants to be, a veterinarian.
Unfortunately, her timing sucks because she has just learned her parents need to sell their home and relocate to a smaller apartment. This means they have told Josey it is time she takes responsibility and leave the nest...literally. They mean it with love as she is a 26 year old grown woman and maybe they coddled her a little too much. They also deliver the tough love notice that they will not be able to continue paying for her vet classes.
Feeling abandoned, Josey doesn't take this well. She immediately throws a few things together and emotionally hurt, marches right out the door. Right to her best friend's home. Eilish opens her door to sees Josey, luggage and her dog in his carrier. Josey promises to only be there for a few nights. She assures Eilish and Bryan finding a place and job will happen asap.
All of this is happening during the erupting scandal William Moore is dealing with. A transplant from America, he had been thought of as "this clean-cut, all-American good-guy" who had become a fan favorite on the winning Irish rugby team. The fans loved him...Hell, his teammates loved him, too. He kept his head down and did his job. Never got into anything unseemly...
Until now.
Yes, Mr. Clean Cut, Mr. Perfect had been outed as someone who like to watch...
No, not sports or movies on TV...
No, he liked to watch a couple getting it on in person...in the flesh.
William does have a reason as to why this type of sexual activity works for him and it isn't involving peeping or anything like that. It is something which only happens with a couple who wish to be involved in this mutual practice.
Now the problem is the tabloids are going to take this and run with it. Will knows this is going to be bad and is thinking the team is going to kick him to the curb...and feels it is understandable.
But when the meeting takes place, that is not what happens. First, he really is too valuable to the team. They also really want to help him deal with all of this and stay with the club. Will promises to do whatever they see fit and an idea of how to handle it all comes together.
Bryan is in on this meeting and when Will explained he didn't participate in this specific activity when Bryan was his roommate, Bryan felt he was remiss in not knowing about all of this and thought his moving out didn't help Will at all. Bryan only wants things to go well for Will and mentions he may have an answer to the roommate issue, Josey.
It would fix Bryan's need to get his home back and Will would have a roommate to keep him in line. A meeting with Josey and Will is arranged.
From this first meeting, even though Josey is awkward and sometimes a bit tongue-tied, Will is taken by her honesty. Josey's blunt speak of what is in her mind unedited clicks with Will. Even when Bryan checks in thinking maybe this isn't the best for his friend, Will grunts this is fine, he is hiring her.
Josey is over the moon; she will have free room and board plus help with her vet classes. Win Win Yay. It also doesn't hurt Will is gorgeous to look at... rippling muscles, thick thighs and piercing eyes. Yum...but Josey has to remember to forget all of that. The two of them arrange when she is to move in.
There is much happening in this book and it is all for the reader to discover. A plus are the thoughts and then cross outs in emails sent. It is continued with their internal thought processes. The quirk is also in how Will is...He has a very strict moral compass and as righteous as it is, it also causes him to not read situations as he should.
The two, when they get together, have passion and care which is sexy and sweet. They have their challenges and once they figure out they need to be brave and give things a go...we are happy to have it happen.
This is the end of this series and I have enjoyed the writing partnership between L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid. Both are crafty, immensely talented authors with the ability to create tales of people we want to know. Although this entry was not my favorite, the series overall was a huge winner for me.
Anytime Cosway and Reid want to venture with another series, sign me up.
The Hooker and the Hermit (Rugby, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Player and the Pixie (Rugby, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Cad and the Co-Ed (Rugby, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Varlet and the Voyeur (Rugby #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Oh how I love receiving wonderful surprises in my emails!
It is a weekend to enjoy- An L.H. Cosway/Penny Reid New Book...
And A Royal Wedding- I will be up all night!
@@@@@@@@@@
Oh, Ms.Cosway and Ms. Reid...
What have you done....
You tease us...
Confound us...
And then reward us...
Here is a sneak peek of
The Voyeur and the Vet (Rugby, #4)
Only look if you cannot not wait till May 2018
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * *1/2 Spoiler Free It's Live
I have a well documented history of loving the works of L.H. Cosway, Penny Reid individually and the works of their partnership. They have brought me many hours of total enjoyment. This series has been a winner for me and so when I started this last entry, I was geared to go...
Quirky, unedited thoughts and the internal thoughts of wishing one hadn't said what they did... those are elements which describe Josey Kavanagh. Josey's parents have supported all of the career choices she has pursued. Josey now feels she has finally figured out what she wants to be, a veterinarian.
Unfortunately, her timing sucks because she has just learned her parents need to sell their home and relocate to a smaller apartment. This means they have told Josey it is time she takes responsibility and leave the nest...literally. They mean it with love as she is a 26 year old grown woman and maybe they coddled her a little too much. They also deliver the tough love notice that they will not be able to continue paying for her vet classes.
Feeling abandoned, Josey doesn't take this well. She immediately throws a few things together and emotionally hurt, marches right out the door. Right to her best friend's home. Eilish opens her door to sees Josey, luggage and her dog in his carrier. Josey promises to only be there for a few nights. She assures Eilish and Bryan finding a place and job will happen asap.
All of this is happening during the erupting scandal William Moore is dealing with. A transplant from America, he had been thought of as "this clean-cut, all-American good-guy" who had become a fan favorite on the winning Irish rugby team. The fans loved him...Hell, his teammates loved him, too. He kept his head down and did his job. Never got into anything unseemly...
Until now.
Yes, Mr. Clean Cut, Mr. Perfect had been outed as someone who like to watch...
No, not sports or movies on TV...
No, he liked to watch a couple getting it on in person...in the flesh.
William does have a reason as to why this type of sexual activity works for him and it isn't involving peeping or anything like that. It is something which only happens with a couple who wish to be involved in this mutual practice.
Now the problem is the tabloids are going to take this and run with it. Will knows this is going to be bad and is thinking the team is going to kick him to the curb...and feels it is understandable.
But when the meeting takes place, that is not what happens. First, he really is too valuable to the team. They also really want to help him deal with all of this and stay with the club. Will promises to do whatever they see fit and an idea of how to handle it all comes together.
Bryan is in on this meeting and when Will explained he didn't participate in this specific activity when Bryan was his roommate, Bryan felt he was remiss in not knowing about all of this and thought his moving out didn't help Will at all. Bryan only wants things to go well for Will and mentions he may have an answer to the roommate issue, Josey.
It would fix Bryan's need to get his home back and Will would have a roommate to keep him in line. A meeting with Josey and Will is arranged.
From this first meeting, even though Josey is awkward and sometimes a bit tongue-tied, Will is taken by her honesty. Josey's blunt speak of what is in her mind unedited clicks with Will. Even when Bryan checks in thinking maybe this isn't the best for his friend, Will grunts this is fine, he is hiring her.
Josey is over the moon; she will have free room and board plus help with her vet classes. Win Win Yay. It also doesn't hurt Will is gorgeous to look at... rippling muscles, thick thighs and piercing eyes. Yum...but Josey has to remember to forget all of that. The two of them arrange when she is to move in.
There is much happening in this book and it is all for the reader to discover. A plus are the thoughts and then cross outs in emails sent. It is continued with their internal thought processes. The quirk is also in how Will is...He has a very strict moral compass and as righteous as it is, it also causes him to not read situations as he should.
The two, when they get together, have passion and care which is sexy and sweet. They have their challenges and once they figure out they need to be brave and give things a go...we are happy to have it happen.
This is the end of this series and I have enjoyed the writing partnership between L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid. Both are crafty, immensely talented authors with the ability to create tales of people we want to know. Although this entry was not my favorite, the series overall was a huge winner for me.
Anytime Cosway and Reid want to venture with another series, sign me up.
The Hooker and the Hermit (Rugby, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Player and the Pixie (Rugby, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Cad and the Co-Ed (Rugby, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Varlet and the Voyeur (Rugby #4) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Oh how I love receiving wonderful surprises in my emails!
It is a weekend to enjoy- An L.H. Cosway/Penny Reid New Book...
And A Royal Wedding- I will be up all night!
@@@@@@@@@@
Oh, Ms.Cosway and Ms. Reid...
What have you done....
You tease us...
Confound us...
And then reward us...
Here is a sneak peek of
The Voyeur and the Vet (Rugby, #4)
Only look if you cannot not wait till May 2018
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
June 27, 2018
27/5/18
Review later, I hope..
14/4/18
Ok, so who rated this down when it doesn't even have a blurb yet?
Review later, I hope..
14/4/18
Ok, so who rated this down when it doesn't even have a blurb yet?
June 15, 2018
I am so sad this is the last book in this series - I have loved these characters and this unique series but I honestly think these authors saved the best for last. Will is everything. He's sensitive, kind, generous, thoughtful, maybe a bit shy and reserved and super swoony. Will isn't your typical romance hero and nothing like I was expecting. He is respectful but also has a naughty side and I loved the steamy scenes in this book. The heroine, Josey, reminded me a bit of myself. She's socially awkward and sometimes says way more than she needs to like she doesn't have control of her mouth. I could relate to her and the cringe-worthy things she said at times. Josey isn't a typical beauty, has flaws but is okay just being herself. She was a wonderful heroine. I enjoyed the chemistry and build up in this story - it was romantic and sweet with some super hot sexy times. Overall, I loved this book and hope these authors collaborate again soon!!!
June 17, 2018
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this one because of the hero being a voyeur, but while reading it I realized I would take a voyeur over a manwhore any day! I love the rare instances when we get a story about a professional athlete that isn’t a whore! I enjoy the games, practices and team dynamics a lot more when the H hasn’t been sleeping with team groupies. Will is a wonderful hero- he is sweet, loyal and honest. Josey is a great match for him because she is very honest too- plus she is warm and kind. Their relationship is a sweet one and I liked the way it progressed. I also loved Josey’s dog! I would have loved an epilogue that was set out a year or two!
July 1, 2018
3.5-4 ★'s
“You’re my big Okla-homey.”
The book starts with us finding out that William has gotten himself into a bit of a pickle. To help him, a few other players and some of the bigwigs come up with the idea of William having a "babysitter" so to speak and since Josey needs a place to stay, she seems to be the perfect fit. If you remember, Josey is best friends with Eilish who is with Bryan from The Cad and the Co-ed). Bryan is one of William's best friends and teammates so think of this as a six degrees of separation sort of thing and not that Josey's a total stranger.
I was happy to finally get William's book although to be honest, I'm not really sure how I feel about his "situation". Not that I felt he was a freak or anything, I guess I'm just not sure it fit him.
And I'm not sure if you even want me to tell you about Josey. I usually always pull for the underdog but with Josey, it was a bit harder. I think because we were constantly told how weird she was, how she talked too much and how strange her features were. Makes it hard to understand how William could grow to love those things.
But Josey's incessant talking somehow calms William's mind and quiets his desires, well, at least the desires from his "situation". Now, he just has to deal with his desires towards Josey.
These two are making themselves crazy with their want for each other so they come up with a plan to be friends with benefits but only while the team is in Australia. While this starts off good, the problem is these two have vivid imaginations and they don't communicate so they're always thinking the worst!
That leads to some crazy drama but luckily William says something that grabs Josey's attention and she just doesn't let go.
I just LOVED what William did to get Josey's attention...it was extremely thoughtful and sweet. And what else he did wasn't too bad either.
Supposedly, this is the end of the series but I was really intrigued with Ophelia and Broderick. I'm really hoping they get a spin off or something.
“You’re my big Okla-homey.”
The book starts with us finding out that William has gotten himself into a bit of a pickle. To help him, a few other players and some of the bigwigs come up with the idea of William having a "babysitter" so to speak and since Josey needs a place to stay, she seems to be the perfect fit. If you remember, Josey is best friends with Eilish who is with Bryan from The Cad and the Co-ed). Bryan is one of William's best friends and teammates so think of this as a six degrees of separation sort of thing and not that Josey's a total stranger.
I was happy to finally get William's book although to be honest, I'm not really sure how I feel about his "situation". Not that I felt he was a freak or anything, I guess I'm just not sure it fit him.
And I'm not sure if you even want me to tell you about Josey. I usually always pull for the underdog but with Josey, it was a bit harder. I think because we were constantly told how weird she was, how she talked too much and how strange her features were. Makes it hard to understand how William could grow to love those things.
But Josey's incessant talking somehow calms William's mind and quiets his desires, well, at least the desires from his "situation". Now, he just has to deal with his desires towards Josey.
These two are making themselves crazy with their want for each other so they come up with a plan to be friends with benefits but only while the team is in Australia. While this starts off good, the problem is these two have vivid imaginations and they don't communicate so they're always thinking the worst!
That leads to some crazy drama but luckily William says something that grabs Josey's attention and she just doesn't let go.
I just LOVED what William did to get Josey's attention...it was extremely thoughtful and sweet. And what else he did wasn't too bad either.
Supposedly, this is the end of the series but I was really intrigued with Ophelia and Broderick. I'm really hoping they get a spin off or something.
June 12, 2018
This is a book that I've been eagerly waiting to read. I've loved each book in this series.This story starts off with Josey's POV:
The Heroine, Josey is told by her parents that they need to downsize & move to a smaller, more affordable home-. and not enough room for Josey. Her mom & dad tell her that it's time for her to spread her wings. Josey's been living with her (mildly eccentric, intellectual) parents while working part time and going to school. She's well into her mid 20s. She's been very close to her parents her whole life. Josey's been a little sheltered in the social skills. She mainly hangs out with her parents. As with the other books, this takes place mainly in Dublin.
Josey seeks help from her friend Eilish. Eilish is the heroine from book 3, The Cad and The Co-Ed (my previous favorite up til now).
Josey moves in with Eilish and Bryan and their young son Patrick.
The Hero's POV- Will- 1st Peron: Meanwhile, William Moore, a rugby teammate of Bryan's has been hit with a sex scandal.
Will is the least likely of the entire team to get involved with a sex scandal. He's very soft spoken and immediately is ashamed-even though MOST of the rumors are untrue. The team coaches & the PR department offers a solution: for Will to get involved with a well respected musical star with a uber clean reputation. Bryan's idea is to have Josey move in with Will to keep him out of trouble. AND to keep Josey out of Bryan's hair (and his home). Josey drives Bryan crazy! Will surprises Bryan when he meets with Josey and hires her!
At first Josey was just a little too over the top wacky, wound up and talkative for me. She eventually grew on me. She does say funny things at odd times. She does realize her extreme behavior and makes efforts to curb the excessive talking. I liked her more and more as the story went on.
The ironic thing, William likes her immediately. He recognizes Josey as being genuine and sweet. He knows that he won't be able to get anything (voyeuristic behavior) by her. He shocks Bryan when he said he wants to hire Josey as his roommate. He wont be alone in the evening and be tempted by his "voyeuristic proclivities" (the blurb tells us this).
Josey has an obsession with old English words:
Josey explains to Will- "A varlet is what they used to call an attendant, which is kind of what I am to you, in a sense. I'm here to attend to you." [location 974]
"Although, I guess I could also be considered the voyeur, since my job-technically-is to watch you, which makes me a voyeur. And the newspapers might call you a varlet because the second dictionary form for the word is a dishonest or unprincipled man..." [chapter 6, location 976].
Their relationship develops very naturally in my opinion.
They are so opposite. I really loved their heat. This book seemed to have a lot more sexy times than the previous books. I also really loved the funny moments.
I'll just mention a couple of scenes: Tampons (BOGO). omg, I would love to be there when Penny Reid came up with this part; the shower scene (the first one). OMG!! Josey ! Will !
The book was so unpredictable. I wanted them to find their HEA. I could absolutely understand each was afraid of scaring off the other. Will- does he step up and put himself out there? I was dying to know.
Terrific ending, and loved the epilogue. Well done Penny and LH.
I came away from this "...Like a unicorn cupcake dipped in edible glitter covered in chocolate sprinkles."
I received an ARC from the author, my review is my own opinion.
This book comes out June 11th & then Kindle Unlimited on June 14th
The Heroine, Josey is told by her parents that they need to downsize & move to a smaller, more affordable home-. and not enough room for Josey. Her mom & dad tell her that it's time for her to spread her wings. Josey's been living with her (mildly eccentric, intellectual) parents while working part time and going to school. She's well into her mid 20s. She's been very close to her parents her whole life. Josey's been a little sheltered in the social skills. She mainly hangs out with her parents. As with the other books, this takes place mainly in Dublin.
Josey seeks help from her friend Eilish. Eilish is the heroine from book 3, The Cad and The Co-Ed (my previous favorite up til now).
Josey moves in with Eilish and Bryan and their young son Patrick.
The Hero's POV- Will- 1st Peron: Meanwhile, William Moore, a rugby teammate of Bryan's has been hit with a sex scandal.
Will is the least likely of the entire team to get involved with a sex scandal. He's very soft spoken and immediately is ashamed-even though MOST of the rumors are untrue. The team coaches & the PR department offers a solution: for Will to get involved with a well respected musical star with a uber clean reputation. Bryan's idea is to have Josey move in with Will to keep him out of trouble. AND to keep Josey out of Bryan's hair (and his home). Josey drives Bryan crazy! Will surprises Bryan when he meets with Josey and hires her!
At first Josey was just a little too over the top wacky, wound up and talkative for me. She eventually grew on me. She does say funny things at odd times. She does realize her extreme behavior and makes efforts to curb the excessive talking. I liked her more and more as the story went on.
The ironic thing, William likes her immediately. He recognizes Josey as being genuine and sweet. He knows that he won't be able to get anything (voyeuristic behavior) by her. He shocks Bryan when he said he wants to hire Josey as his roommate. He wont be alone in the evening and be tempted by his "voyeuristic proclivities" (the blurb tells us this).
Josey has an obsession with old English words:
Josey explains to Will- "A varlet is what they used to call an attendant, which is kind of what I am to you, in a sense. I'm here to attend to you." [location 974]
"Although, I guess I could also be considered the voyeur, since my job-technically-is to watch you, which makes me a voyeur. And the newspapers might call you a varlet because the second dictionary form for the word is a dishonest or unprincipled man..." [chapter 6, location 976].
Their relationship develops very naturally in my opinion.
They are so opposite. I really loved their heat. This book seemed to have a lot more sexy times than the previous books. I also really loved the funny moments.
I'll just mention a couple of scenes: Tampons (BOGO). omg, I would love to be there when Penny Reid came up with this part; the shower scene (the first one). OMG!! Josey ! Will !
The book was so unpredictable. I wanted them to find their HEA. I could absolutely understand each was afraid of scaring off the other. Will- does he step up and put himself out there? I was dying to know.
Terrific ending, and loved the epilogue. Well done Penny and LH.
I came away from this "...Like a unicorn cupcake dipped in edible glitter covered in chocolate sprinkles."
I received an ARC from the author, my review is my own opinion.
This book comes out June 11th & then Kindle Unlimited on June 14th
June 13, 2018
3.5 stars
The Varlet and the Voyeur is the final book in the Rugby series—a collection of romantic comedies written by LH Cosway and Penny Reid that are intended to make readers fall in love with a bunch of Irish meatheads and the unique women who redeem them. Their efforts have been successful, by the way.
The shining star in this story is Josey. She is the very definition of a hot mess. She is socially awkward to the extreme, and I couldn’t wait to see what weird things would fly out of her mouth next. At least she’s gorgeous and just doesn’t know it, right? Isn’t that how things are supposed to go in rom coms? Well, Josey is fully aware that she’s no beauty queen. Her physical features don’t conform to normal beauty standards. She is wonderfully unique and the cause for at least one massively embarrassing moment of my uncontrollable laughter in public.
While I love the heroine, and the comedy is superb, the book didn’t quite click with me the ways some of the previous ones did. Essentially, I just didn’t buy the premise. I didn’t think Will did anything terribly scandalous for this day and age—certainly nothing that would require a 24/7 babysitter. He’s a nice guy and the relentless fallout from the “scandal” seemed over the top.
Will is overly noble, overly needy, and overly insecure. Vulnerability in a man is sexy, but all these “overly”s add up to a less than attractive hero. I really enjoyed the fun friendship between Josey and Will, and they have some great chemistry. However, the amount of restrictions they place on their relationship seems unnecessary. I’m not a huge fan of riding a drama llama, and there are so many moments that come across as much ado about nothing.
The romance is sweet, and is quite enjoyable if you can accept the surrounding drama. As always, the friendships among the rugby teammates are entertaining. If you need a bit of cheering up, this amusing book will do quite nicely.
The Varlet and the Voyeur is the final book in the Rugby series—a collection of romantic comedies written by LH Cosway and Penny Reid that are intended to make readers fall in love with a bunch of Irish meatheads and the unique women who redeem them. Their efforts have been successful, by the way.
The shining star in this story is Josey. She is the very definition of a hot mess. She is socially awkward to the extreme, and I couldn’t wait to see what weird things would fly out of her mouth next. At least she’s gorgeous and just doesn’t know it, right? Isn’t that how things are supposed to go in rom coms? Well, Josey is fully aware that she’s no beauty queen. Her physical features don’t conform to normal beauty standards. She is wonderfully unique and the cause for at least one massively embarrassing moment of my uncontrollable laughter in public.
While I love the heroine, and the comedy is superb, the book didn’t quite click with me the ways some of the previous ones did. Essentially, I just didn’t buy the premise. I didn’t think Will did anything terribly scandalous for this day and age—certainly nothing that would require a 24/7 babysitter. He’s a nice guy and the relentless fallout from the “scandal” seemed over the top.
Will is overly noble, overly needy, and overly insecure. Vulnerability in a man is sexy, but all these “overly”s add up to a less than attractive hero. I really enjoyed the fun friendship between Josey and Will, and they have some great chemistry. However, the amount of restrictions they place on their relationship seems unnecessary. I’m not a huge fan of riding a drama llama, and there are so many moments that come across as much ado about nothing.
The romance is sweet, and is quite enjoyable if you can accept the surrounding drama. As always, the friendships among the rugby teammates are entertaining. If you need a bit of cheering up, this amusing book will do quite nicely.
*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.*
October 29, 2019
Love this series.
I think I've consistently rated every book in this series at 4 stars.
This writing duet is always good stuff.
I think I've consistently rated every book in this series at 4 stars.
This writing duet is always good stuff.
June 26, 2018
❝Are you interested in ordinary sex?❞ ❝No, I'm interested in extraordinary sex. With you.❞
Warning! This is a long review because I had a lot to say! (Also, my views may be considered spoilery.)
With the Varlet and the Voyeur, Cosway and Reid write about a man who likes to watch others have sex and a woman who is socially awkward to the point it is embarrassing, if not painful, to watch.
Josey Kavanagh is the awkward friend of Eilish Cassidy (who we read about in the last book, The Cad and the Coed). Josey is sometimes clumsy, and usually speaks whatever is on her mind and then often regrets the words she speaks as soon as they are out of her mouth. She is the person people ignore with hopes she will go away. When her parents lose their home, she is forced to find a place to live and find a job so that she can continue with Veterinary school.
So clearly, Josey is intelligent or she would not be attending Veterinary school. But her behavior was at odds with her intelligence. Although common sense and tact do not go hand in hand with intelligence, I did feel like the authors tried too hard to make her odd, weird, different.
When William Moore's private life becomes public, he and his team quickly move into damage control mode. Prostitutes and voyeurism, are not in line with his clean, good boy image. His teammates intervene and decide with him, that he needs to have someone keep an eye on him, to help him, should he be tempted to seek out these behaviors in the future. Like a sponsor. At the recommendation of Brian and Elish, Will agrees to meet with and ultimately hire Josey to live with and monitor him. It was her job to hold him accountable and make sure he didn't fall back into his voyeuristic behaviors.
It was the need for a live-in monitor that confused me because I wasn't sure why Will needed someone to watch him. He wasn't hurting anyone and he hadn't hurt himself. Also, he'd had two instances where he engaged in voyeuristic activities, and now he's out of control and needed a babysitter? This didn't make any sense to me. I was glad when later in the book, Josey challenged this notion of addiction.
I've been blogging for about four years. Since that time, I've met a lot of wonderful bloggers, whose opinions about books, I value. By this time, you know what they will like and vice versa. What I also love about being a blogger is that you also have the freedom of opinion.
I was raised in the ultra-conservative mid-west where sex wasn't talked about. Sex with multiple partners and sex before marriage was wrong. You had sex in missionary position and you definitely didn't watch pornography (or at least confess to it). So while I have read some reviews and opinions from others regarding their frustration with the way this book handled topics like sex, pornography, and prostitution etc, I feel like it was true to Will's Oklahoma upbringing. He had strong views about sex and what was right and what was wrong and these influenced his guilt as he tried to reconcile his urges/desires with societal norms/ethics. He struggled with the fact that he wanted more than missionary position and while he liked watching others have sex, he also struggled morally with watching pornography. I totally understood where he was coming from.
Will was a good guy with rigid ideas of right and wrong. He valued rules and guidelines and couldn't maneuver his life without them. He is so strict with his principles that when he deviates, and he does because they strictly confine him, he feels guilty and believes he's done something wrong or bad. He and his brothers were raised by his grandfather and father. There wasn't nurturing, there were rules and there was right and wrong.
The writing Duo of Penny Reid and L. H. Cosway is one of my favorites. This series has been so much fun! Each story is unique, filled with swoon-worthy moments, humor, sexual tension, and sexy times. The characters are funny, witty, and exchange sarcastic banter, all while falling in love with each other. I'm going to miss these characters!
Blog review, Excerpt and Giveaway (which closes soon) click HERE
I was provided a review copy by the author. This did not influence my opinion of the book nor my review.
May 27, 2018
The blurb was begging me to read the book.
The first couple chapters hooked me right in.
But despite the charming writing of this writing duo... I couldn't help but feel like I was being both educated and corrected on society's sexual atypical preferences.
Add to this an heroine shouting sexual come-ons during sex like one might have Tourette's and I was done. I finished it but with no heart and no space for romance.
I received an Advance Review Copy
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September 12, 2018
⭐️2.5 stars⭐️
I had, apparently, zero willpower where he was concerned (Ha! Get it? "Will" power?).
Liking someone as a person made it difficult to have a relationship with just their body. That's a life lesson for you right there.
I had, apparently, zero willpower where he was concerned (Ha! Get it? "Will" power?).
Liking someone as a person made it difficult to have a relationship with just their body. That's a life lesson for you right there.
May 25, 2018
Because my enjoyment of this series has been on an (unfortunate) decline since book one, I wandered into THE VARLET AND THE VOYEUR with a bit of trepidation, even though that summary, and the idea of Will starring in his own book, had me so excited.
Usually I had a ratio of three okay statements for every awkward one.
I'll admit that I feel more strongly in favour of the hero than the heroine because Josey is one of those 'blurt out everything, no filter, whacky weird wonderful' kind of chicks and as fun as that is, it can also be a little tiresome. But to round out the balance we have monosyllabic Will so watching them bounce off each other was actually pretty fun. But where this really dragged for me was in the 'I feel things but I'm going to do the opposite instead' shtick.
"Being a voyeur doesn't mean you can't be a gentleman."
After Will comes under fire for some scandalous accusations, he (in a round about way) ends up hiring Josey as a sort've live-in companion to keep him company and distracted from voyeuristic temptations. But as their camaraderie leads both to feeling more than friendly feelings for each other, they strike a bargain for a friends with benefits arrangement while on a trip overseas. And so, of course, when they are finally getting some action, everything else goes to hell.
"Be warned. This mouth of mine is liable to make things very weird very fast."
"Your mouth is one of my favourite things about you."
I enjoyed, but wasn't blown away, by the early stages of their friendship but it was easily the best part of the story. It could basically be summed up in one word : cute. It was. But the omissions and outright lies to each other as emotional entanglements become, well, tangled was frustrating af. Rules were bent, broken, and blasted apart. They each blamed each other for not being honest. They both went against their original agreement and refused to tell each other. Statements like 'well, if you felt that, you should've done this' 'but we agreed not to do that and I am respectful of that'. Rinse, repeat. It was just.. hard.
"You worry you're going to hurt your date? Do you have a monster penis or something?"
"No."
"Well, that's too bad."
What made the situation sympathetic despite the frustrations, however, was that significant groundwork had been laid down by the authors to make all these problems.. well.. reasonable. But I didn't want to be reasonable about it. I wanted to be annoyed because it was annoying and so I was annoyed! There was also a side character who you know is going to cause trouble, and did, so there was a luckluster 'whoop there it is' when that got thrown into play. I guess ultimately I was just checked out because as charming as the characters could be, the circumstances themselves just didn't offer anything new to the situation and I felt things just cycled through in a round about way to drag out the end. I will admit, though, that a major saving grace for me was every interaction between Bryan and Will. All the boys, really. What delightful dodos.
To sum up, I'll say this : if you've consistently enjoyed these Rugby books, I'm pretty sure you will enjoy this one, too.
** I received an ARC from the author (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
Usually I had a ratio of three okay statements for every awkward one.
I'll admit that I feel more strongly in favour of the hero than the heroine because Josey is one of those 'blurt out everything, no filter, whacky weird wonderful' kind of chicks and as fun as that is, it can also be a little tiresome. But to round out the balance we have monosyllabic Will so watching them bounce off each other was actually pretty fun. But where this really dragged for me was in the 'I feel things but I'm going to do the opposite instead' shtick.
"Being a voyeur doesn't mean you can't be a gentleman."
After Will comes under fire for some scandalous accusations, he (in a round about way) ends up hiring Josey as a sort've live-in companion to keep him company and distracted from voyeuristic temptations. But as their camaraderie leads both to feeling more than friendly feelings for each other, they strike a bargain for a friends with benefits arrangement while on a trip overseas. And so, of course, when they are finally getting some action, everything else goes to hell.
"Be warned. This mouth of mine is liable to make things very weird very fast."
"Your mouth is one of my favourite things about you."
I enjoyed, but wasn't blown away, by the early stages of their friendship but it was easily the best part of the story. It could basically be summed up in one word : cute. It was. But the omissions and outright lies to each other as emotional entanglements become, well, tangled was frustrating af. Rules were bent, broken, and blasted apart. They each blamed each other for not being honest. They both went against their original agreement and refused to tell each other. Statements like 'well, if you felt that, you should've done this' 'but we agreed not to do that and I am respectful of that'. Rinse, repeat. It was just.. hard.
"You worry you're going to hurt your date? Do you have a monster penis or something?"
"No."
"Well, that's too bad."
What made the situation sympathetic despite the frustrations, however, was that significant groundwork had been laid down by the authors to make all these problems.. well.. reasonable. But I didn't want to be reasonable about it. I wanted to be annoyed because it was annoying and so I was annoyed! There was also a side character who you know is going to cause trouble, and did, so there was a luckluster 'whoop there it is' when that got thrown into play. I guess ultimately I was just checked out because as charming as the characters could be, the circumstances themselves just didn't offer anything new to the situation and I felt things just cycled through in a round about way to drag out the end. I will admit, though, that a major saving grace for me was every interaction between Bryan and Will. All the boys, really. What delightful dodos.
To sum up, I'll say this : if you've consistently enjoyed these Rugby books, I'm pretty sure you will enjoy this one, too.
** I received an ARC from the author (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
June 11, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
I wish speaking out loud came with a delete button. How awesome would that be?
I cried so much after you broke things off that night, that I used all the tissue in the hotel room? All the Kleenex, all the toilet tissue. I used all the towels, and was tempted to use the edge of my sheet… Think of the trees, Will! And now I need more tissue, you selfish, cowardly coward! You’re killing trees!
My heart shimmered inside my chest. I was sure if they opened me up they’d see it glittering. That was how Will made me feel. Like a unicorn cupcake dipped in edible glitter covered in chocolate sprinkles.
My Review:
I have enjoyed every book I have ever read by either of these two clever wordsmiths, whether as an individual effort or their collaborated labors. Singly or combined, their amusing arrangements of words are essentially a guaranteed promise to provide a smirk filled day of gleefully engaging and inescapable perusal as once I start one of their books I am rendered essentially incapable of stopping. I adored these devastatingly quirky yet highly endearing characters as well as the unique conundrums they caused themselves and each other. Written from a dual POV, the storylines were delightfully crafted, deviously insightful, swoon-worthily sexy, cheekily clever, and peppered with smart levity and gasp-inducing sensuality. I am always happiest when I can claim having learned a few vocabulary words, which is a boast I can yet again claim with my current new additions being the old-world words of varlet (an attendant, as well as a dishonest or unprincipled man), and muffin-walloper (a Victorian widow who spent her days gossiping and eating cake).
I wish speaking out loud came with a delete button. How awesome would that be?
I cried so much after you broke things off that night, that I used all the tissue in the hotel room? All the Kleenex, all the toilet tissue. I used all the towels, and was tempted to use the edge of my sheet… Think of the trees, Will! And now I need more tissue, you selfish, cowardly coward! You’re killing trees!
My heart shimmered inside my chest. I was sure if they opened me up they’d see it glittering. That was how Will made me feel. Like a unicorn cupcake dipped in edible glitter covered in chocolate sprinkles.
My Review:
I have enjoyed every book I have ever read by either of these two clever wordsmiths, whether as an individual effort or their collaborated labors. Singly or combined, their amusing arrangements of words are essentially a guaranteed promise to provide a smirk filled day of gleefully engaging and inescapable perusal as once I start one of their books I am rendered essentially incapable of stopping. I adored these devastatingly quirky yet highly endearing characters as well as the unique conundrums they caused themselves and each other. Written from a dual POV, the storylines were delightfully crafted, deviously insightful, swoon-worthily sexy, cheekily clever, and peppered with smart levity and gasp-inducing sensuality. I am always happiest when I can claim having learned a few vocabulary words, which is a boast I can yet again claim with my current new additions being the old-world words of varlet (an attendant, as well as a dishonest or unprincipled man), and muffin-walloper (a Victorian widow who spent her days gossiping and eating cake).
June 27, 2018
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid individually are phenomenal writers. Each of their romances are smart, unique, and utterly enjoyable. But when you put these two fantastic authors together, you get something explosive and unputdownable, which is exactly what The Varlet and the Voyeur was. It’s a sports romance, yes, but it was also so much more than that. These two authors are always able to take a romance to the next level, and if you’re looking for a story and characters who are unlike anything you’ve read before, I highly recommend this Rugby book!
Rugby player William Moore is a voyeur – but he’s trying not to be anymore. After the media exposes his kink for watching couples have sex, his career and reputation takes a hit. Now, he needs someone who can keep an eye on him and prevent him from falling into the dark hole that is voyeurism for him. Enter Josey Kavanagh – an awkward, rambly, adorable mess who is in need of housing. Their arrangement works perfectly for them: Josey will babysit Will in exchange for free rent. How could anything get complicated from that?
Will and Josey couldn’t be more different. This book is definitely falls into the opposites-attract trope. Will is a GOOD guy, despite the mess he’s in. He’s an all-American boy from Oklahoma, quiet, respectful. Josey is the kind of awkward who won’t stop talking and blurting out random facts. It’s endearing, and luckily Will thinks so too. As they become roommates and get to know each other, the attraction between them grows, but they try to keep feelings out of the equation… I’ll admit, it gets frustrating how they won’t admit their newfound love, and I just wanted them to confess their feelings. One thing that surprised me though was how SEXY this book was. Awkward Josey is a total horndog for Will, and I loved it. The steam was hot as hell, but I loved how different Josey was in bed than out of it.
I can’t recommend this book (and series) enough. I adore the writing, the characters, and the stories. I’m incredibly sad that Will and Josey will be the end of the Rugby series, but I have a little hope for some secondary characters… Honestly, I’ll be happy as long as Penny Reid and L.H. Cosway continue to write together.
Thanks to the authors for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Amazon Ebook: https://amzn.to/2ItQf7n
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2Kvd7J2
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid individually are phenomenal writers. Each of their romances are smart, unique, and utterly enjoyable. But when you put these two fantastic authors together, you get something explosive and unputdownable, which is exactly what The Varlet and the Voyeur was. It’s a sports romance, yes, but it was also so much more than that. These two authors are always able to take a romance to the next level, and if you’re looking for a story and characters who are unlike anything you’ve read before, I highly recommend this Rugby book!
Rugby player William Moore is a voyeur – but he’s trying not to be anymore. After the media exposes his kink for watching couples have sex, his career and reputation takes a hit. Now, he needs someone who can keep an eye on him and prevent him from falling into the dark hole that is voyeurism for him. Enter Josey Kavanagh – an awkward, rambly, adorable mess who is in need of housing. Their arrangement works perfectly for them: Josey will babysit Will in exchange for free rent. How could anything get complicated from that?
Will and Josey couldn’t be more different. This book is definitely falls into the opposites-attract trope. Will is a GOOD guy, despite the mess he’s in. He’s an all-American boy from Oklahoma, quiet, respectful. Josey is the kind of awkward who won’t stop talking and blurting out random facts. It’s endearing, and luckily Will thinks so too. As they become roommates and get to know each other, the attraction between them grows, but they try to keep feelings out of the equation… I’ll admit, it gets frustrating how they won’t admit their newfound love, and I just wanted them to confess their feelings. One thing that surprised me though was how SEXY this book was. Awkward Josey is a total horndog for Will, and I loved it. The steam was hot as hell, but I loved how different Josey was in bed than out of it.
I can’t recommend this book (and series) enough. I adore the writing, the characters, and the stories. I’m incredibly sad that Will and Josey will be the end of the Rugby series, but I have a little hope for some secondary characters… Honestly, I’ll be happy as long as Penny Reid and L.H. Cosway continue to write together.
Thanks to the authors for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Amazon Ebook: https://amzn.to/2ItQf7n
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2Kvd7J2
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
July 27, 2018
I love these authors work. They always writes smart characters, communicators, with realistic hot romances. She's not afraid to make the woman the more sexually advanced either, and she doesn't make this an ego buster for the men. I loved this one, I have so many highlights it's crazy.
Josey, a college student, young unsettled and odd to most finds herself suddenly homeless. She needs to find a job and a place to live quick to support her education. After wearing out her friends couch she is pointed in the direction of a live in paid job. Her new boss, a hot rugby player who needs company/babysitter to keep him from his kink. Yep, he, Will has a kink and it as exposed and exploited in the media hurting his career and more. The two of them are opposites, which makes for fun, snark and much more.
Josey, a college student, young unsettled and odd to most finds herself suddenly homeless. She needs to find a job and a place to live quick to support her education. After wearing out her friends couch she is pointed in the direction of a live in paid job. Her new boss, a hot rugby player who needs company/babysitter to keep him from his kink. Yep, he, Will has a kink and it as exposed and exploited in the media hurting his career and more. The two of them are opposites, which makes for fun, snark and much more.
June 27, 2018
These two writers are genius together! The characters are so well developed that you feel like you’ve met them somewhere and the plots are full and complete.
Poor Will is an Oklahoma guy transplanted to Ireland where he tries to explore his kink morally. He’s a really nice guy who wants to get through without hurting anyone emotionally.
Josey is a nice Irish lass with a huge capacity for love and spurts honesty in large doses. I love her and am not surprised she fits in with this group so well. She even opens up more space for Will to spread out his personality.
Excellent, excellent book!!💕💕💕📖
Poor Will is an Oklahoma guy transplanted to Ireland where he tries to explore his kink morally. He’s a really nice guy who wants to get through without hurting anyone emotionally.
Josey is a nice Irish lass with a huge capacity for love and spurts honesty in large doses. I love her and am not surprised she fits in with this group so well. She even opens up more space for Will to spread out his personality.
Excellent, excellent book!!💕💕💕📖
August 26, 2018
3.75 Stars
October 29, 2018
2.75 STARS
Well she really went out on a limb with this one. I have no idea how to rate this book. The entire first half had me cringing constantly, and wanting to toss it in the bin. But of course I didn't do that. I have this morbid sense of failure when I give up on a book, no matter how painful it may be to read. So out of trust in the author's past successes, I persevered, and to my surprise, she actually had me smiling by the end. Big shock. I did like where the story ended up, but, and it's a big BUT... she could have made this book so much better. She ruined the characters for me in the beginning. And to be honest, the characters changed so much by the second half of the book, that they were almost unrecognizable from their former selves. Which, I suppose is the ONLY reason that I ended up liking them at all. I had been looking forward to William's book, and I was really bummed out about where she took this story at first, but she did manage to redeem his character for me in the end.
I've really enjoyed this series so far, and will continue to read on. I hope she tones down the cringe factor on the next one though.
Well she really went out on a limb with this one. I have no idea how to rate this book. The entire first half had me cringing constantly, and wanting to toss it in the bin. But of course I didn't do that. I have this morbid sense of failure when I give up on a book, no matter how painful it may be to read. So out of trust in the author's past successes, I persevered, and to my surprise, she actually had me smiling by the end. Big shock. I did like where the story ended up, but, and it's a big BUT... she could have made this book so much better. She ruined the characters for me in the beginning. And to be honest, the characters changed so much by the second half of the book, that they were almost unrecognizable from their former selves. Which, I suppose is the ONLY reason that I ended up liking them at all. I had been looking forward to William's book, and I was really bummed out about where she took this story at first, but she did manage to redeem his character for me in the end.
I've really enjoyed this series so far, and will continue to read on. I hope she tones down the cringe factor on the next one though.
Read
November 6, 2018DNF 51% no rating
June 15, 2018
4.5 stars
I loved this so freaking hard!!
It's been a long time since I picked up a book and became so immersed in it that HOURS went by where I did nothing but read. I literally did not move from my bed at all today because I was so in love with this story that L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid had created.
When I had first read the synopsis, I was hesitant. I was worried I wouldn't like it because of the voyeurism sub-plot and I jumped to conclusions of what the book would be like. But if you were like me and this is one of those things that is making me hesitate to read this, let me assure you that it in no way takes away from their love story. In fact, I love the way they handled the topic!
Josey is the type of girl that many would probably like to call a hot mess. She is socially awkward, always rambling or saying the wrong things and most people find her weird and don't really want to be around her. I couldn't remember her much from the previous book but I remember her not making that good of an impression on me, however with this book and being able to be in her perspective I completely fell in love with her. I could relate to her in small ways and my heart really went out for her. She's a really sweet girl who, yes, is a little weird at times and makes you kind of cringe in embarrassment for her but she's also the kind of girl that I'd love to have as a friend. I love how despite how "weird" people may think she is, she is unapologetically herself. Yes, she tries to change in small ways but only in ways that she knows she has to in order to respect people's boundaries and privacy. I just really loved her!
William honestly owns my heart. This guy is prime book boyfriend material. He is so sweet and kind and stoic with a heart of gold that makes you wish that you could have him to call your own. I really enjoyed his story and while usually it takes me a while to warm up to the heroes in books, from the very first chapter, he had completely won me over. Which trust me, is no easy feat. I love how William was also unapologetically himself and he didn't let people's judgment make him feel ashamed or who he was or his past. It broke my heart to see how he coped with the fear of being hurt but I also could really understand his perspective. The scariest thing about being with someone is the fear of putting yourself out there completely only for them to reject you, for it to all fall to pieces at your feet. William had been hurt before and he never wanted to feel that way again, or make anyone feel that kind of pain because he knew how badly it hurt. I cannot say this enough but William will 100% steal your hearts in this book.
From the synopsis you know the basic premise of the story and I don't want to give much more away. But I will say that I loved that this roommate arrangement let us see them become friends first; friends who were able to be honest and be comfortable around each other and get to genuinely know each other before the romance was brought in. It really helped build that foundation for their relationship and when they finally did cross that line into more, I was rooting so damn hard for them. I'm pretty sure I had heart eyes and was sighing like a love sick fool the entire time I was reading this book. Just writing that sentence brought back all the moments in the book that made me do said things and I'm fighting the urge to pick this up and read it again.
This was the perfect way to end the series and I'm so, so happy that I was able to be on this journey with the characters. If you're looking for some really great sports romance books then look no further than this spectacular book and series. This is yet another job well done by these two authors and I look forward to seeing what they work on together next!
*Arc received in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!!!
I loved this so freaking hard!!
It's been a long time since I picked up a book and became so immersed in it that HOURS went by where I did nothing but read. I literally did not move from my bed at all today because I was so in love with this story that L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid had created.
When I had first read the synopsis, I was hesitant. I was worried I wouldn't like it because of the voyeurism sub-plot and I jumped to conclusions of what the book would be like. But if you were like me and this is one of those things that is making me hesitate to read this, let me assure you that it in no way takes away from their love story. In fact, I love the way they handled the topic!
Josey is the type of girl that many would probably like to call a hot mess. She is socially awkward, always rambling or saying the wrong things and most people find her weird and don't really want to be around her. I couldn't remember her much from the previous book but I remember her not making that good of an impression on me, however with this book and being able to be in her perspective I completely fell in love with her. I could relate to her in small ways and my heart really went out for her. She's a really sweet girl who, yes, is a little weird at times and makes you kind of cringe in embarrassment for her but she's also the kind of girl that I'd love to have as a friend. I love how despite how "weird" people may think she is, she is unapologetically herself. Yes, she tries to change in small ways but only in ways that she knows she has to in order to respect people's boundaries and privacy. I just really loved her!
William honestly owns my heart. This guy is prime book boyfriend material. He is so sweet and kind and stoic with a heart of gold that makes you wish that you could have him to call your own. I really enjoyed his story and while usually it takes me a while to warm up to the heroes in books, from the very first chapter, he had completely won me over. Which trust me, is no easy feat. I love how William was also unapologetically himself and he didn't let people's judgment make him feel ashamed or who he was or his past. It broke my heart to see how he coped with the fear of being hurt but I also could really understand his perspective. The scariest thing about being with someone is the fear of putting yourself out there completely only for them to reject you, for it to all fall to pieces at your feet. William had been hurt before and he never wanted to feel that way again, or make anyone feel that kind of pain because he knew how badly it hurt. I cannot say this enough but William will 100% steal your hearts in this book.
From the synopsis you know the basic premise of the story and I don't want to give much more away. But I will say that I loved that this roommate arrangement let us see them become friends first; friends who were able to be honest and be comfortable around each other and get to genuinely know each other before the romance was brought in. It really helped build that foundation for their relationship and when they finally did cross that line into more, I was rooting so damn hard for them. I'm pretty sure I had heart eyes and was sighing like a love sick fool the entire time I was reading this book. Just writing that sentence brought back all the moments in the book that made me do said things and I'm fighting the urge to pick this up and read it again.
This was the perfect way to end the series and I'm so, so happy that I was able to be on this journey with the characters. If you're looking for some really great sports romance books then look no further than this spectacular book and series. This is yet another job well done by these two authors and I look forward to seeing what they work on together next!
*Arc received in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!!!
June 12, 2018
3,5-4 stars
September 4, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book :) this is the fourth and last installment in this series, and to be honest... I'm sad to hear this... I really grew to love all the characters I met within the pages of these stories... and this duo of co-authors definitely made me feel all the feels throughout those books... but worry not, if you are a little bit overcome with the feelings of nostalgia and melancholy... because even though this is the last installment in this particular series, I have a strong feeling that it's definitely NOT the only book they will co-write... in fact I'm hoping... like full on fingers-crossing that the next hero they will write about will be Broderick... I mean... come on... they wouldn't be so cruel as to put those little teasers throughout this book if his story wouldn't be next, right? :) ok, back to the main topic of this review ;) this is the fourth installment, but all those stories can be read as standalones... yes, I recommend you to read them in order, because that way you will get a better understanding of certain characters and their decisions before they become main ones, and also, those little scenes where previous characters appear in later novels will have that much more meaning... but the choice is yours :) ok, now that we have this explanation out of the way, let me tell you more about our main couple :)
We met Will and Josey in the previous book :) but again, if you haven't read it yet, or just don't remember much about it or them... first of all, I've been there :) we all experience that feeling when you read so many new books all the time, that unless you re-read a story a few times, or it was exceptionally amazing and left a huge impression on you, those details will become blurry... sometimes to the point when you have to check your Goodreads account to see if you read that book at all :) I know I do that sometimes... but in my defense, I already read 70+ books this year... :) but more importantly, second of all... with each story in this series, you get enough of background informations to really enjoy it :) so even if that will be your very first book ever written by this duo of authors, or one of them individually, you have no excuses to not pick it up :) ok, back to our main couple :) I adored them both... which is saying something, because usually characters like Josey tend to annoy me... :) let me explain :) Josey is... peculiar :) she has no filter, talks a lot and definitely on subjects that sometimes shouldn't be discussed in public... ;) but to my surprise it really works this time :) I love how much she cares for her friends and how fiercely she defends them... I adore how open she is and how she accepts herself... and don't even get me started on Will... *sighs dreamily* he is just so cute... I know that may not be the adjective most men would like to be described with, but... it's true :) he's kind and honest and can be devastatingly swoonworthy when he wants to... :) they meet because Will needs a roommate and Josey is in need of a place to stay... they become really good friends from the start, but since she also sort of works for him... it's hard to explain without spoilers, so let's move on... they both do their best to ignore the sparks flying between them :) so naturally I had to read chapter after chapter until I saw how their story will end :) don't worry, it's a good one :)
I really liked this book... I was going back and forth with my final rating, but ultimately I decided to give it full 5 stars... yeah, there were some small things that could have been done differently... I mean, come on... use your words people... out loud with each other, so as to avoid missunderstandings... :) but it suited the story and our main couple, so it wasn't as annoying as I sometimes find it :) it was written in 2 POVs, which is my favourite :) we had chapters from Will's perspective and well as ones from Josey's point of view, and once again, I had to applaud this magical duo... becuase if you didn't know that two separate people wrote this book, you wouldn't be able to tell just by reading the story... it flows smoothly and you are constantly curious to see what's gonna happen next :) I absolutely enjoyed the growing relationship between our main couple... how they fall more and more for each other, how they take care of one another in little ways... *sighs happily* not only Will and Josey were wonderful, but throughout the whole story we have appearances of all the couples we fell in love with before :) some of them with very interesting news... ;) and they still managed to introduce us to some new people... trust me, there's got to be more coming from that duo... and I am sooo there for it :) I highly recommend you guys this book, and this whole series in general if you haven't read it before :) if you are looking for a great romance story, with fantastic writing style, and some swoonworthy rugby players... come on, we all love them... my personal favourite athletes to read about are hockey players, but rugby ones are on a very close second place ;) if you crave complex and flawed characters that grow and change before your eyes... that make mistakes but learn from them... these are the stories for you :) and once you read them and fall in love with them, each of this absolutely amazing ladies have many other books that will blow your mind as well... but that is a story for some other time... ;)
XOXO
A
We met Will and Josey in the previous book :) but again, if you haven't read it yet, or just don't remember much about it or them... first of all, I've been there :) we all experience that feeling when you read so many new books all the time, that unless you re-read a story a few times, or it was exceptionally amazing and left a huge impression on you, those details will become blurry... sometimes to the point when you have to check your Goodreads account to see if you read that book at all :) I know I do that sometimes... but in my defense, I already read 70+ books this year... :) but more importantly, second of all... with each story in this series, you get enough of background informations to really enjoy it :) so even if that will be your very first book ever written by this duo of authors, or one of them individually, you have no excuses to not pick it up :) ok, back to our main couple :) I adored them both... which is saying something, because usually characters like Josey tend to annoy me... :) let me explain :) Josey is... peculiar :) she has no filter, talks a lot and definitely on subjects that sometimes shouldn't be discussed in public... ;) but to my surprise it really works this time :) I love how much she cares for her friends and how fiercely she defends them... I adore how open she is and how she accepts herself... and don't even get me started on Will... *sighs dreamily* he is just so cute... I know that may not be the adjective most men would like to be described with, but... it's true :) he's kind and honest and can be devastatingly swoonworthy when he wants to... :) they meet because Will needs a roommate and Josey is in need of a place to stay... they become really good friends from the start, but since she also sort of works for him... it's hard to explain without spoilers, so let's move on... they both do their best to ignore the sparks flying between them :) so naturally I had to read chapter after chapter until I saw how their story will end :) don't worry, it's a good one :)
I really liked this book... I was going back and forth with my final rating, but ultimately I decided to give it full 5 stars... yeah, there were some small things that could have been done differently... I mean, come on... use your words people... out loud with each other, so as to avoid missunderstandings... :) but it suited the story and our main couple, so it wasn't as annoying as I sometimes find it :) it was written in 2 POVs, which is my favourite :) we had chapters from Will's perspective and well as ones from Josey's point of view, and once again, I had to applaud this magical duo... becuase if you didn't know that two separate people wrote this book, you wouldn't be able to tell just by reading the story... it flows smoothly and you are constantly curious to see what's gonna happen next :) I absolutely enjoyed the growing relationship between our main couple... how they fall more and more for each other, how they take care of one another in little ways... *sighs happily* not only Will and Josey were wonderful, but throughout the whole story we have appearances of all the couples we fell in love with before :) some of them with very interesting news... ;) and they still managed to introduce us to some new people... trust me, there's got to be more coming from that duo... and I am sooo there for it :) I highly recommend you guys this book, and this whole series in general if you haven't read it before :) if you are looking for a great romance story, with fantastic writing style, and some swoonworthy rugby players... come on, we all love them... my personal favourite athletes to read about are hockey players, but rugby ones are on a very close second place ;) if you crave complex and flawed characters that grow and change before your eyes... that make mistakes but learn from them... these are the stories for you :) and once you read them and fall in love with them, each of this absolutely amazing ladies have many other books that will blow your mind as well... but that is a story for some other time... ;)
XOXO
A
June 14, 2018
All five of those sweet, honorable, awkward, (and a little kinky) stars. There is so much I want to say about this book but I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I’m going to use a numbered list to truncate and organize my thoughts:
1. Dual POV. I always love romance stories written from a dual perspective. Especially when the characters are so good at masking their true feelings.
2. L.H. & Penny’s and styles blend seamlessly. They both have unique voices and though they show through they mix so, so well.
3. Characters confident & comfortable with their sexuality. Will is not ashamed of his kink despite the world blowing up about it and he goes to great lengths to ensure that he is never exploitive when he indulges in his proclivities. Josey is unabashedly comfortable with her sexuality but doesn’t make a huge thing of it. It just is.
4. Characters confident & comfortable with their personalities. Josey recognizes she has a tendency to make awkward comments. She simultaneously owns it and recognizes she could get along better if she were to reign in a bit. Will is stoic and reserved. He owns that as well.
5. This story isn’t insta-love, not exactly friends-to-lovers, not enemies-to-lovers, not slow-burn...it has great pacing but I loved that it kind of turned the timetable around a bit.
6. There are some fun, steamy sexy-times. It had a little kink, but not full on BDSM/erotica.
7. Humor: the book was damn funny. I love the humor infused throughout the story.
8. Minimal angst. Things don’t go perfectly smooth throughout this journey but there was a lack of gut-wrenching angst which I appreciate greatly.
9. Though this is a complete stand-alone novel, I love seeing characters I adore from other books taking a role in this book.
10. Big, archaic words are so fun!
There are lots of other things I loved about this book and scenes I’d love to share and dissect but again, I don’t want to spoil.
If you enjoy smart, sexy, awkward, and sweet, this is a book for you.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Spoiler alert: I’ve already preordered copies.***
Update: This book is now exclusively available on Amazon and via Kindle Unlimited https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
1. Dual POV. I always love romance stories written from a dual perspective. Especially when the characters are so good at masking their true feelings.
2. L.H. & Penny’s and styles blend seamlessly. They both have unique voices and though they show through they mix so, so well.
3. Characters confident & comfortable with their sexuality. Will is not ashamed of his kink despite the world blowing up about it and he goes to great lengths to ensure that he is never exploitive when he indulges in his proclivities. Josey is unabashedly comfortable with her sexuality but doesn’t make a huge thing of it. It just is.
4. Characters confident & comfortable with their personalities. Josey recognizes she has a tendency to make awkward comments. She simultaneously owns it and recognizes she could get along better if she were to reign in a bit. Will is stoic and reserved. He owns that as well.
5. This story isn’t insta-love, not exactly friends-to-lovers, not enemies-to-lovers, not slow-burn...it has great pacing but I loved that it kind of turned the timetable around a bit.
6. There are some fun, steamy sexy-times. It had a little kink, but not full on BDSM/erotica.
7. Humor: the book was damn funny. I love the humor infused throughout the story.
8. Minimal angst. Things don’t go perfectly smooth throughout this journey but there was a lack of gut-wrenching angst which I appreciate greatly.
9. Though this is a complete stand-alone novel, I love seeing characters I adore from other books taking a role in this book.
10. Big, archaic words are so fun!
There are lots of other things I loved about this book and scenes I’d love to share and dissect but again, I don’t want to spoil.
If you enjoy smart, sexy, awkward, and sweet, this is a book for you.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Spoiler alert: I’ve already preordered copies.***
Update: This book is now exclusively available on Amazon and via Kindle Unlimited https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
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