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Sidelined #1
The Draft
When up-and-coming event planner Bryn Charles scores NFL superstar Shane Smith as a client, she thinks she has it made. But with only six weeks to create the “hottest event Baltimore’s ever seen”, she has her work cut out for her. Complicating her efforts is Shane’s determination to score her like one of his touchdowns. In order to stay in the game, she must decide whether she can play by his rules.
Convinced only a fool would date a professional athlete, Bryn ignores his advances—until she wakes up at an impromptu sleepover next to a shirtless Shane. Suddenly the two of them can’t stay apart. Only Bryn doesn’t realize the true complexities of Shane’s life. Caught up in her own desires, she dismisses the warning signs and gives in to a love affair unlike any she’s ever had.
But just when Bryn believes she might have found the love of her life, a blast from Shane’s past causes interference. Now Bryn must decide if she can stay in the game—or if she’s doomed to sit it out on the sideline.
Convinced only a fool would date a professional athlete, Bryn ignores his advances—until she wakes up at an impromptu sleepover next to a shirtless Shane. Suddenly the two of them can’t stay apart. Only Bryn doesn’t realize the true complexities of Shane’s life. Caught up in her own desires, she dismisses the warning signs and gives in to a love affair unlike any she’s ever had.
But just when Bryn believes she might have found the love of her life, a blast from Shane’s past causes interference. Now Bryn must decide if she can stay in the game—or if she’s doomed to sit it out on the sideline.
350 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2017
13 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Bianca Williams
3 books67 followersBianca Williams is the award-winning author of the sports romance series Sidelined. Book One, “The Draft”, was released in 2017 and won the USA Best Book Award and was a finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards. To the delight of readers everywhere, Book Two, “The Penalty”, was released in 2018. Sidelined is the story of event planner Bryn Charles and her unexpected romance with her client NFL superstar Shane Smith. The contemporary novels are inspired by Williams’ dating adventures in her hometown of Baltimore County, MD.
She discovered her love for creative writing while pursuing a double major in Finance & Management at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. After graduating at the top of her class, achieving a successful career in finance, and co-founding an event planning company, Bianca began penning her debut novel. When she isn’t writing, Bianca uses her platform to empower young women in personal development, business, and relationships.
Her signature slogan — know the plays, or get sidelined — reminds her to have a strategy for success in everything that she pursues.
She discovered her love for creative writing while pursuing a double major in Finance & Management at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. After graduating at the top of her class, achieving a successful career in finance, and co-founding an event planning company, Bianca began penning her debut novel. When she isn’t writing, Bianca uses her platform to empower young women in personal development, business, and relationships.
Her signature slogan — know the plays, or get sidelined — reminds her to have a strategy for success in everything that she pursues.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 2, 2017
Sidelined was an AMAZING read. I was hooked after reading the first page. The author kept my attention throughout the entire book. I felt like I knew the characters & every chapter was filled with excitement. Bryn was my favorite character. I loved her feistiness & her sense of style. I was cheering from the "Sideline" for her to take a chance on love with Shane Smith, hoping that the outcome would not be typical. I felt her every emotion in each chapter. I was totally floored by the ending & cannot wait for part two. The author did a great job developing each character & each storyline. I am looking forward to continuing this journey with Bryn, Shane & the crew. GREAT job Bianca Williams. I am a fan for sure. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Malica Dunnock
Malica Dunnock
March 4, 2019
I REALLY enjoyed the read.
It was definitely a page-turner and kept me engrossed throughout: friendship, love, business. The descriptive writing allowed for clear, vivid images as I read. I like the way some of Baltimore's landmarks were included in regards to the setting. It had a twist in the end, which I figured was coming, but it leads perfectly... right into the next installment.
It was definitely a page-turner and kept me engrossed throughout: friendship, love, business. The descriptive writing allowed for clear, vivid images as I read. I like the way some of Baltimore's landmarks were included in regards to the setting. It had a twist in the end, which I figured was coming, but it leads perfectly... right into the next installment.
December 30, 2020
Football players are one of my soft spot
Enemies to lovers is my catnip
This had potential but this book has underdeveloped characters
Plott is cute but there is something that makes it did work
Nice read
Arc of by Netgalley For Richer Or Poorer by Charlene Namdhari. #ForRicherOrPoorer #NetGalley
Enemies to lovers is my catnip
This had potential but this book has underdeveloped characters
Plott is cute but there is something that makes it did work
Nice read
Arc of by Netgalley For Richer Or Poorer by Charlene Namdhari. #ForRicherOrPoorer #NetGalley
November 19, 2017
Single mother, Bryn Charles can't believe her luck when she signs Shane Smith, Nighthawk player and NFL superstar, to organise a kick as event. She's never been much for jocks, but there is no denying that Shane has a body to die for, and Jen, Bryn's friend, has hooked designer Oris Odili and intends to ensure he knows exactly how to show off all of his best features. Shane seems to find himself drawn towards Bryn, his advances becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. But dating an athlete is way down there on Bryn's list, besides when he's not flirting he's yelling, cursing, or acting like a spoilt rich kid. A relationship with the pompous man was the furthest thing from her mind. Then it happened, she found herself and Jen in his room, in his bed. Although it was innocent enough, Bryn couldn't forget the image of him removing his shirt, from that moment on this picture ran like a sporting event replay. Just when it seems she's about to win, there comes a game changer, one that may leave her forever on the sideline.
Sidelined by Bianca Williams is a page turning, stress filled, romance, with tries, fouls, and of course goals, or in this case perhaps agendas would be more to the point. Written in the present tense it follows Bryn and her surprising infatuation with NLA superstar Shane Smith, a spoilt man child. Heavily character driven and easy to follow whether your a fan of sports or not. The characters are developed, and I often found myself getting frustrated at some of their actions. Ms Williams shows poise and talent for creating atmosphere throughout her plot. This is the first book in the series, and given the ending it's easy to understand why.
Sidelined by Bianca Williams is a page turning, stress filled, romance, with tries, fouls, and of course goals, or in this case perhaps agendas would be more to the point. Written in the present tense it follows Bryn and her surprising infatuation with NLA superstar Shane Smith, a spoilt man child. Heavily character driven and easy to follow whether your a fan of sports or not. The characters are developed, and I often found myself getting frustrated at some of their actions. Ms Williams shows poise and talent for creating atmosphere throughout her plot. This is the first book in the series, and given the ending it's easy to understand why.
March 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! I could relate to all the characters in different ways, though some got on my nerves 😃It was definitely a page turner and highlighted the good bad and ugly of relationships including lovers, friends, family and coworkers. Being a Marylander I could relate to the landmarks and cannot wait until book 2 of 3!
October 8, 2017
Is mixing business with pleasure ever a good thing? What do you do when you just can’t resist temptation and you cross that line? What do you do when you cross the line with someone you know isn’t good for you long before you cross it? Do you risk it all for a forbidden attraction? Those are questions that Bryn Charles is trying to answer in Bianca Williams’ debut novel Sidelined: The Draft.
This was such a frustrating read for me, but as soon as I find another book by Bianca Williams I will more than likely read it. Why? Because she is a very talented writer and I will tell you the reasons I feel this way.
First, romance novels are hit or miss with me. This novel is not action-packed or filled with drama, but is more of a character study. The protagonist, Bryn, wasn’t very interesting to me at first, so it took a few chapters for me to really get into the story. She’s an everyday woman, a single mother who is striving for success by co-running an event planning business with her close friend Jen. She’s relatable and her life is pretty dull, much like my own. As I am a single mother who is trying to live her dreams outside of her day job, I had no trouble understanding Bryn and what made her tick. Even without the event planning business, she had done well for herself and her daughter and they lived a good life, as uneventful as it was, which is probably part of what made it good. Or at least it was good until she and her business partner/best friend Jen took on Shane as their client.
Here’s the thing, I could not find one thing likable about Shane. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Even with the description of his beautifully muscular frame and the relationship he developed with Bryn’s daughter, Shane always rubbed me the wrong way from the second scene he appeared in until the end of the book. It was made clear from the beginning that he was a kid in a grown man’s body, had issues with fidelity, was demanding and selfish. Somehow, despite all of the business-savvy and life experience that Bryn had acquired, she still fell for him. It drove me crazy because in every scene where the thought crossed her mind about becoming romantically involved with Shane I wanted to throw my tablet across the room and scream at her. Even when he softened up and wasn’t as disgusting I still didn’t like him. Why? Because I was Bryn one or twice (don’t judge me) and I already knew how the story would end. I knew Shane, not only by the way the author described him, but because he literally exists. I’ve met him (those characteristics) more often than I’d care to remember. But that’s what makes the book so great. As frustrated as I was reading it, I had to take a step back and remember that this is fiction (inspired by true events). The author did such a good job making the story real, that I forgot that it is fiction.
I’m not sure which parts of the book were true and which were not. It didn’t feel like a memoir. The story is written in present tense, so it made me feel like I was there going through Bryn’s day to day right next to her. The delivery of each sentence was smooth, which made everything flow. Nobody was perfect in this book, which I liked. It was real and despite my frustration with Bryn and Shane’s relationship, I had to regroup and remember that at some point we all have played the fool and ignored the obvious signs. The author left the opportunity for a sequel, so I’ll have to read it, otherwise, I won’t be able to sleep at night not knowing what Bryn’s next move is going to be. I give this a 4 out of 5 stars.
This was such a frustrating read for me, but as soon as I find another book by Bianca Williams I will more than likely read it. Why? Because she is a very talented writer and I will tell you the reasons I feel this way.
First, romance novels are hit or miss with me. This novel is not action-packed or filled with drama, but is more of a character study. The protagonist, Bryn, wasn’t very interesting to me at first, so it took a few chapters for me to really get into the story. She’s an everyday woman, a single mother who is striving for success by co-running an event planning business with her close friend Jen. She’s relatable and her life is pretty dull, much like my own. As I am a single mother who is trying to live her dreams outside of her day job, I had no trouble understanding Bryn and what made her tick. Even without the event planning business, she had done well for herself and her daughter and they lived a good life, as uneventful as it was, which is probably part of what made it good. Or at least it was good until she and her business partner/best friend Jen took on Shane as their client.
Here’s the thing, I could not find one thing likable about Shane. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Even with the description of his beautifully muscular frame and the relationship he developed with Bryn’s daughter, Shane always rubbed me the wrong way from the second scene he appeared in until the end of the book. It was made clear from the beginning that he was a kid in a grown man’s body, had issues with fidelity, was demanding and selfish. Somehow, despite all of the business-savvy and life experience that Bryn had acquired, she still fell for him. It drove me crazy because in every scene where the thought crossed her mind about becoming romantically involved with Shane I wanted to throw my tablet across the room and scream at her. Even when he softened up and wasn’t as disgusting I still didn’t like him. Why? Because I was Bryn one or twice (don’t judge me) and I already knew how the story would end. I knew Shane, not only by the way the author described him, but because he literally exists. I’ve met him (those characteristics) more often than I’d care to remember. But that’s what makes the book so great. As frustrated as I was reading it, I had to take a step back and remember that this is fiction (inspired by true events). The author did such a good job making the story real, that I forgot that it is fiction.
I’m not sure which parts of the book were true and which were not. It didn’t feel like a memoir. The story is written in present tense, so it made me feel like I was there going through Bryn’s day to day right next to her. The delivery of each sentence was smooth, which made everything flow. Nobody was perfect in this book, which I liked. It was real and despite my frustration with Bryn and Shane’s relationship, I had to regroup and remember that at some point we all have played the fool and ignored the obvious signs. The author left the opportunity for a sequel, so I’ll have to read it, otherwise, I won’t be able to sleep at night not knowing what Bryn’s next move is going to be. I give this a 4 out of 5 stars.
June 2, 2017
This book is a page turner! It kept me wondering where the story was going next! It's the perfect beach read! Fun, funny, and entertaining!
March 11, 2019
This was a page turner I enjoyed it and being from Baltimore I enjoyed all the relatable details, they took me back to that time. Very well written. I enjoyed getting to know each one of the characters and am looking forward to parts 2 and 3.
May 12, 2021
The story revolves around Brynn and her best friend who are event planners. They land a very lucrative contract planning an event with high profile football player Shane Smith. Shane is the type of guy who always gets what he wants, is over the top, and never really takes things seriously. He sets his eyes on Bryn but she refuses his advances.
Not to be deterred, he tries to woo her and eventually Bryn starts to see a side of him that he rarely let's people see! The caring and compassionate Shane is the one she starts to fall in love with. However, secrets and mistrust and all the drama soon surfaces. Brynn then has to decide if it is worth being with someone who you love who has not opened up fully to her or is she just someone on the sideline.
An enemy to lovers romance that had me hooked from the beginning! Shane was definitely a guy who you don't really like but come to understand the reasons why he acts the way he does in the public eye to keep up his persona. Brynn on-the-other-hand just made me want to just reach into the book and say "come on girl, wake up"! After falling for Shane she completely put blinders on and refocused her entire life on him. She was even considering quitting her job because of him! Like come on girl, you guys are not even publicly out as being in a relationship more like a secret relationship. 🤦🏽♀️
I am really looking forward to continuing this series because I must know what is happening next with this couple! The 1st book ends with such a stunning twist...
Not to be deterred, he tries to woo her and eventually Bryn starts to see a side of him that he rarely let's people see! The caring and compassionate Shane is the one she starts to fall in love with. However, secrets and mistrust and all the drama soon surfaces. Brynn then has to decide if it is worth being with someone who you love who has not opened up fully to her or is she just someone on the sideline.
An enemy to lovers romance that had me hooked from the beginning! Shane was definitely a guy who you don't really like but come to understand the reasons why he acts the way he does in the public eye to keep up his persona. Brynn on-the-other-hand just made me want to just reach into the book and say "come on girl, wake up"! After falling for Shane she completely put blinders on and refocused her entire life on him. She was even considering quitting her job because of him! Like come on girl, you guys are not even publicly out as being in a relationship more like a secret relationship. 🤦🏽♀️
I am really looking forward to continuing this series because I must know what is happening next with this couple! The 1st book ends with such a stunning twist...
October 6, 2020
Unfortunately this was a DNF for me..
I am so confused! The parts that I read made absolutely no sense to me.
It starts out with the MC Bryn and her friend Jen signing a famous Nighthawks player/NFL superstar - Shane Smith- to do an event for him.
When I started reading, I felt like I was missing something (or missing some chapters at least). It clearly stated the characters had only known each other briefly for 2 weeks but it came across like they’d known each other much longer (one early example is Shane wondering why it took them so long to get ready, blaming Jen for being late, then showing a look of surprise on his face when she shouted she was ready!). Another irritating/confusing factor were other characters being added to the story with no introduction as if the reader already knew who they were, the first office scene is a good example, I actually had to check that this wasn’t a second book in a series because I had absolutely no idea what was going on. Apart from the fact I found it confusing, I had zero connection to any character. I’d even go as far as to say I immediately strongly disliked Shane.. his personality, dialogue and basically everything! Nothing was remotely appealing about him.
I didn’t like the writing, the plot or how much hard work it was just to get through the first few chapters so I stopped trying. There are far too many good books in the world to waste my time trying to force myself to get through this.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review
I am so confused! The parts that I read made absolutely no sense to me.
It starts out with the MC Bryn and her friend Jen signing a famous Nighthawks player/NFL superstar - Shane Smith- to do an event for him.
When I started reading, I felt like I was missing something (or missing some chapters at least). It clearly stated the characters had only known each other briefly for 2 weeks but it came across like they’d known each other much longer (one early example is Shane wondering why it took them so long to get ready, blaming Jen for being late, then showing a look of surprise on his face when she shouted she was ready!). Another irritating/confusing factor were other characters being added to the story with no introduction as if the reader already knew who they were, the first office scene is a good example, I actually had to check that this wasn’t a second book in a series because I had absolutely no idea what was going on. Apart from the fact I found it confusing, I had zero connection to any character. I’d even go as far as to say I immediately strongly disliked Shane.. his personality, dialogue and basically everything! Nothing was remotely appealing about him.
I didn’t like the writing, the plot or how much hard work it was just to get through the first few chapters so I stopped trying. There are far too many good books in the world to waste my time trying to force myself to get through this.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review
June 11, 2017
As someone who loves completely, this book has everything I live for: unforgettable romance; magnetic attraction; corporate maneuvers; high-end shopping; epic vacations and mind-blowing sex. I could not look away.
Bianca William’s amazing book comes at a time when dating is challenging and complicated. The story is an epic example of how even the most skilled players find themselves “sidelined.”
The fictional characters now feel like friends. I can’t wait to read what happens next. You are missing out on a unique reading experience if you haven’t already picked up this novel.
Bianca William’s amazing book comes at a time when dating is challenging and complicated. The story is an epic example of how even the most skilled players find themselves “sidelined.”
The fictional characters now feel like friends. I can’t wait to read what happens next. You are missing out on a unique reading experience if you haven’t already picked up this novel.
June 4, 2017
Addictive! I wonder whats true and whats not. Can't wait for the 2nd book. Took it to Cabo for a beach vacay and finished it in 2 days. Mainly because I could relate to the main character, she's all of us though the situations are crazy Going behind the scenes of celebrity/football world was cool too. Hope that 2 and 3 get reased together so I can just binge over a weekend to see if they ever get it right.
August 10, 2017
What a captivating read... a true page turner!!! This book made me feel like I was looking at a period of time in my own life because this book is extremely relatable. The author created characters that are classy, sassy and fun. I really enjoyed reading this book. And to top it off, I purchased a t-shirt from the author's website that's classy, sassy and fun like the characters in the book.
June 30, 2021
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions are my own and this did not affect my review in any way.
I requested this book because of my love for football, it was the only thing I knew about the book and I was excited. After reading it, even though it didn’t became one of my new favorite books it was still a good, fast paced romance novel.
In The Draft we follow up-and-coming event planner Bryn Charles, who when she scores NFL superstar Shane Smith as a client, she thinks she has it made. But with only six weeks to create the “hottest event Baltimore’s ever seen”, she has her work cut out for her. Complicating her efforts is Shane’s determination to score her like one of his touchdowns. In order to stay in the game, she must decide whether she can play by his rules.
My favorite part about the book was how fast paced it was, it didn’t feel rushed and it didn’t feel like it dragged on forever. The story line moves along perfectly and I was quickly invested in what was going to happen. It was fun to see what the life of a well-known athlete is like and it was entertaining to see Shane´s lavishing lifestyle.
My only complaint about the book was how undeveloped the characters were. You dive right into the story without really knowing who the characters are and you never get answers to some of the questions. The characters are unlikable in my opinion, I was not able to create a connection to any of them and most of them felt superficial and annoying. Shane was every stereotype about athletes put in one character and Bryn just felt stupid, she needed to know better.
In conclusion, aside from the poor character development I was still very invested in this book. The writing style enabled me to get hooked on the story and I will read the next book in the series because I do want to know what it is going to happen.
Thanks so much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me read and review this book.
I requested this book because of my love for football, it was the only thing I knew about the book and I was excited. After reading it, even though it didn’t became one of my new favorite books it was still a good, fast paced romance novel.
In The Draft we follow up-and-coming event planner Bryn Charles, who when she scores NFL superstar Shane Smith as a client, she thinks she has it made. But with only six weeks to create the “hottest event Baltimore’s ever seen”, she has her work cut out for her. Complicating her efforts is Shane’s determination to score her like one of his touchdowns. In order to stay in the game, she must decide whether she can play by his rules.
My favorite part about the book was how fast paced it was, it didn’t feel rushed and it didn’t feel like it dragged on forever. The story line moves along perfectly and I was quickly invested in what was going to happen. It was fun to see what the life of a well-known athlete is like and it was entertaining to see Shane´s lavishing lifestyle.
My only complaint about the book was how undeveloped the characters were. You dive right into the story without really knowing who the characters are and you never get answers to some of the questions. The characters are unlikable in my opinion, I was not able to create a connection to any of them and most of them felt superficial and annoying. Shane was every stereotype about athletes put in one character and Bryn just felt stupid, she needed to know better.
In conclusion, aside from the poor character development I was still very invested in this book. The writing style enabled me to get hooked on the story and I will read the next book in the series because I do want to know what it is going to happen.
Thanks so much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me read and review this book.
April 22, 2021
Reading Sidelined I felt like I was watching a movie the entire time, and I loved it! Bryn and her bestie runs an event planning company and lands NFL player Shane Smith as a client. A difficult client at that. You know the people that feel as though others should ask how high before they jump when told? Yea, that’s Shane. He wanted things done a certain way, in a certain time, at any cost! But, he also never took things seriously, until... he wanted Bryn.
Oh how things changed and he becomes the gentle giant that a lady wants. Bryn wasn’t immediately into him knowing how athletes can be. She didn’t see Shane as her type of guy. So, of course Bryn being the classy lady that she was, she wasn’t going for it.
Well, things changed for her and smooth talker Shane hooked her. He wined and dined her, and Bryn started to see him in a different light. And here we are, enemies to lovers, but… it’s a secret because of the mutual friends they have in common, and the potential to break friendships and hearts. But, the secret doesn’t stop their connection to one another. Because of the chemistry they had for each other, Bryn seemed to have blinders on and ignored some of Shane’s sketchy behaviors until during an interview the bomb drops, but is it too late...
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I could see how this can happen in real life for sure! The only things I didn’t like was how Bryn always seemed to send her daughter off with someone else to hang out or how she was so trusting to have her daughter with others. Of course, I didn’t like the arrogant Mr. Shane either.
I definitely need to continue this series to see what happens next because it sort leaves you at a point where you need to know how things will play out! Boy does the plot thicken...
Oh how things changed and he becomes the gentle giant that a lady wants. Bryn wasn’t immediately into him knowing how athletes can be. She didn’t see Shane as her type of guy. So, of course Bryn being the classy lady that she was, she wasn’t going for it.
Well, things changed for her and smooth talker Shane hooked her. He wined and dined her, and Bryn started to see him in a different light. And here we are, enemies to lovers, but… it’s a secret because of the mutual friends they have in common, and the potential to break friendships and hearts. But, the secret doesn’t stop their connection to one another. Because of the chemistry they had for each other, Bryn seemed to have blinders on and ignored some of Shane’s sketchy behaviors until during an interview the bomb drops, but is it too late...
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I could see how this can happen in real life for sure! The only things I didn’t like was how Bryn always seemed to send her daughter off with someone else to hang out or how she was so trusting to have her daughter with others. Of course, I didn’t like the arrogant Mr. Shane either.
I definitely need to continue this series to see what happens next because it sort leaves you at a point where you need to know how things will play out! Boy does the plot thicken...
October 9, 2020
Bryn and her best friend Jen are finally starting to find their feet with their party planning company after landing a big named client, Shane Smith from the NFL. Although party planning for Shane is nothing but straightforward. He is impulsive, brash, rude and yet there is a gentler side to him - he just doesn't show it often.
Not looking to mix business with pleasure they have a clause in the contract for no fraternising on either side. This doesn't stop Shane expressing an interest in Bryn and he loves her daughter Bailey. Shane, however, has lots of baggage in the form of a baby mama as well as several 'girls' hanging around him. Bryn is not interested in that sort of relationship, she isn't going to share her man with anyone. It looks like Shane realises this and when the contract ends they hook up.
Hiding their relationship from those around them as Shane's PA has the hots for Bryn too, plus are they both ready to deal with what comes from being out in the open? Things take a turn when Shane has to go to Hawaii with his family - can they come back from this?
Ends on a cliffhanger leading you into the next book with the prologue. An easy read, although it felt as that Bryn was somewhat of a pushover and you didn't really find out much about her past (Bailey's father etc).
Not looking to mix business with pleasure they have a clause in the contract for no fraternising on either side. This doesn't stop Shane expressing an interest in Bryn and he loves her daughter Bailey. Shane, however, has lots of baggage in the form of a baby mama as well as several 'girls' hanging around him. Bryn is not interested in that sort of relationship, she isn't going to share her man with anyone. It looks like Shane realises this and when the contract ends they hook up.
Hiding their relationship from those around them as Shane's PA has the hots for Bryn too, plus are they both ready to deal with what comes from being out in the open? Things take a turn when Shane has to go to Hawaii with his family - can they come back from this?
Ends on a cliffhanger leading you into the next book with the prologue. An easy read, although it felt as that Bryn was somewhat of a pushover and you didn't really find out much about her past (Bailey's father etc).
September 20, 2021
Well i certainly learnt a whole new set of languages with this book and new adjectives and... confession, it did take me a while to understand this language. I was surprised by the richness of this new language but was disappointed that it continued to be used by well 'educated' members of the community - just hoping they used conventual English in their degree essays.
All that aside it was interesting to read the novel even though I did think that the characters were very intense in their emotions - too much so it seemed to me and over the top in their behaviours. nevertheless, I read all 3 parts of this trilogy - purchasing parts 2 and 3 as I wanted to find out what happened. I thought it gave those of us not football fans or followers of social media a good look at the issues that result from sudden and extreme wealth for the athletes, and how hangers-on seem to think that they should be housed and fed and general allowed to a live a free and expensive lifestyle just because they are related to such an athlete or are a childhood friend. And that athlete accepts this as the norm. It is no wonder many become bankrupt with their lavish lifestyle.
It is not a novel that will appeal widely I suspect outside the young female market, but interesting to read as social research of a very foreign - to me - lifestyle and behaviours.
All that aside it was interesting to read the novel even though I did think that the characters were very intense in their emotions - too much so it seemed to me and over the top in their behaviours. nevertheless, I read all 3 parts of this trilogy - purchasing parts 2 and 3 as I wanted to find out what happened. I thought it gave those of us not football fans or followers of social media a good look at the issues that result from sudden and extreme wealth for the athletes, and how hangers-on seem to think that they should be housed and fed and general allowed to a live a free and expensive lifestyle just because they are related to such an athlete or are a childhood friend. And that athlete accepts this as the norm. It is no wonder many become bankrupt with their lavish lifestyle.
It is not a novel that will appeal widely I suspect outside the young female market, but interesting to read as social research of a very foreign - to me - lifestyle and behaviours.
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October 20, 2020Unfortunately I DNF this book.
I couldn’t connect with the characters, and honestly, neither with the writing.
The book was too fast passed and didn’t slow down so we can actually understand what is happening in the scenes. The behavior from the male protagonist did not help at all, he was like a man-child that was yelling, demanding, and hitting stuff. I just couldn’t get past it. Hopefully the author will publish something new that I will like it.
FYI: I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
I couldn’t connect with the characters, and honestly, neither with the writing.
The book was too fast passed and didn’t slow down so we can actually understand what is happening in the scenes. The behavior from the male protagonist did not help at all, he was like a man-child that was yelling, demanding, and hitting stuff. I just couldn’t get past it. Hopefully the author will publish something new that I will like it.
FYI: I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
November 29, 2020
DNF
When in the very start of this book you tell me that the mc has not only a baby mama (who he treats like crap) but also a girlfriend and still he is going to persuade the female lead, you lose me right away. I read until chapter 8 and I dislike the mc so much I couldn't continue.
Also, I had to checked after I started to see if this was book 2 or something because the author introduced many new characters and wants us to already know them it pulled me off the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
When in the very start of this book you tell me that the mc has not only a baby mama (who he treats like crap) but also a girlfriend and still he is going to persuade the female lead, you lose me right away. I read until chapter 8 and I dislike the mc so much I couldn't continue.
Also, I had to checked after I started to see if this was book 2 or something because the author introduced many new characters and wants us to already know them it pulled me off the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2020
I received this free eARC novel from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Okay... so I tried. I really tried to enjoy this book, but I really can't stand Shane. He's a tool who is a spoiled brat and demands everything he likes. And he thinks he's God's creation on earth and that kind of attitude and mindset really ticks me off. So sadly, I couldn't deal with this book, even though I was really looking forward to reading this. I'm sure other readers will enjoy it, I just couldn't deal with it.
Okay... so I tried. I really tried to enjoy this book, but I really can't stand Shane. He's a tool who is a spoiled brat and demands everything he likes. And he thinks he's God's creation on earth and that kind of attitude and mindset really ticks me off. So sadly, I couldn't deal with this book, even though I was really looking forward to reading this. I'm sure other readers will enjoy it, I just couldn't deal with it.
October 7, 2020
When I started reading this book, I thought I opened it at chapter 3. I was so confused as to what was going on and who anyone was. So, I checked and I was on page 1. I knew from that point on, I was not going to love this book.
I am going to be honest, this book was a struggle. After a few chapters and some skimming, I ended up DNF it. I didn't care for the dialogue, the characters or the writing. At times, it felt like juvenile.
I am going to be honest, this book was a struggle. After a few chapters and some skimming, I ended up DNF it. I didn't care for the dialogue, the characters or the writing. At times, it felt like juvenile.
October 29, 2020
Loved this book!! It was very well written with twists and turn that makes you want to continue to turn the pages until your done. The story line creates a sense of hope and pride for the main character because she deserves it all. If you are a hopeless romantic you will definitely love this all while wanting to scream, kick and punch the male character of the book. Couldn’t wait to see what comes next!!!
January 29, 2021
Sidelined is the first book in The Draft series. It was a charming book with wonderful characters. The storyline was developed, and it was fast paced. It was one of those books that once you start you just can’t stop until you reach the end. The characters were genuine and easy to connect with. I’m looking forward to reading the second book.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 3, 2020
It sounded like an interesting read but it didn't deliver for me, the characters were shallow and the pacing in the story was topsy turvy and not in a cute way.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 12, 2020
I got this book for my honest review on Netgallley.
I was very confused, and need to see if this is the second book in the series. It jumps right in as if you already know all the characters and you are in the middle of the story. I will try another book from this author.
I was very confused, and need to see if this is the second book in the series. It jumps right in as if you already know all the characters and you are in the middle of the story. I will try another book from this author.
February 5, 2021
A light hearted read, that I really hoped I'd love after reading the description.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. the characters were lacking any depth and the storyline didn't reel me in. I'm sure others will feel differently about this, but this book didn't capture me at all.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. the characters were lacking any depth and the storyline didn't reel me in. I'm sure others will feel differently about this, but this book didn't capture me at all.
November 17, 2017
I couldn't finish this story.
September 1, 2020
A fun, drama filled book !! I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline all the way through with all the twists and turns!
October 6, 2020
Super cute book! Loved it! Such a well done story that will catch your attention from the first page all the way till the end.
October 13, 2020
I received this book for my honest review on Netgallley.
While I wanted to like the book, the characters were very superficial and under developed. Therefore, I cannot recommend this book.
While I wanted to like the book, the characters were very superficial and under developed. Therefore, I cannot recommend this book.
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