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Real Love #4
Rumor Has It
This is one bad boy who’s fit to print. A notorious jock tackles life—and love—after football with a type-A journalist in this sexy standalone from the author of Eye Candy.
Barrett: As a former pro football star, I’m used to playing the field. After injuries cut my NFL career short, my second act as a broadcaster ended on live television when a hot mic picked up a little verbal . . . indiscretion. But this latest publicity stunt might just land me back on top—much to the chagrin of Catarina Everhart, the prissy, beautiful journalist who’s been assigned to date a bad boy (i.e., me) and write about it. Catarina swears I’ll never touch her, let alone kiss those full lips of hers. Based on our chemistry, I’m not buying it. . . .
Catarina: Barrett Fox seems to be doing everything in his power to make me hate him. The cocky egomaniac is infamous for his bad behavior, and now, thanks to my boss’s harebrained schemes, he’s apparently my problem. As one fake date leads to another, I start to see a different side of Barrett. He’s close with his family. He does volunteer work. And, okay, he kisses like a dream. Am I really dating Barrett Fox? Or is he playing me? Because suddenly I’m risking my reputation—and my heart.
Look for Jessica Lemmon’s standalone romances with heartfelt HEAs:
FIGHTING FOR DEVLIN | FORGOTTEN PROMISES | SHUT UP AND KISS ME | EYE CANDY | ARM CANDY | MAN CANDY | RUMOR HAS IT
“The banter made me grin, the sexual tension had me breathless, and the perfect happy ending left me smiling long after the book was done.”—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne, on Eye Candy
“This book had a very Christina Lauren feel to it. Very witty, sexy, and kept me wanting more with every page. I absolutely loved it.”—USA Today bestselling author Sidney Halston, on Eye Candy
This standalone novel includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Barrett: As a former pro football star, I’m used to playing the field. After injuries cut my NFL career short, my second act as a broadcaster ended on live television when a hot mic picked up a little verbal . . . indiscretion. But this latest publicity stunt might just land me back on top—much to the chagrin of Catarina Everhart, the prissy, beautiful journalist who’s been assigned to date a bad boy (i.e., me) and write about it. Catarina swears I’ll never touch her, let alone kiss those full lips of hers. Based on our chemistry, I’m not buying it. . . .
Catarina: Barrett Fox seems to be doing everything in his power to make me hate him. The cocky egomaniac is infamous for his bad behavior, and now, thanks to my boss’s harebrained schemes, he’s apparently my problem. As one fake date leads to another, I start to see a different side of Barrett. He’s close with his family. He does volunteer work. And, okay, he kisses like a dream. Am I really dating Barrett Fox? Or is he playing me? Because suddenly I’m risking my reputation—and my heart.
Look for Jessica Lemmon’s standalone romances with heartfelt HEAs:
FIGHTING FOR DEVLIN | FORGOTTEN PROMISES | SHUT UP AND KISS ME | EYE CANDY | ARM CANDY | MAN CANDY | RUMOR HAS IT
“The banter made me grin, the sexual tension had me breathless, and the perfect happy ending left me smiling long after the book was done.”—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne, on Eye Candy
“This book had a very Christina Lauren feel to it. Very witty, sexy, and kept me wanting more with every page. I absolutely loved it.”—USA Today bestselling author Sidney Halston, on Eye Candy
This standalone novel includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2018
116 people are currently reading
797 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Lemmon
203 books1,915 followersJessica Lemmon is a former job-hopper who resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dogs. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing emotionally-charged stories, she spends her time drawing, drinking coffee, and laughing with friends. Her motto is Read for fun, and she believes we should all do more of what makes us happy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
March 4, 2018
Sweet, fun and sexy! In her latest “Real Love” series, Jessica Lemmon couples ex-NFL’s cocky bad boy and the prim and proper journalist Catarina Everhart for a publicity stunt that will boost sales, put the jock back on the broadcaster seat and turn a few fake dates into more than anyone ever expected.
On the surface, Barrett Fox fits the ex-jock bad boy persona to a tee and Catarina could not dislike the idea of being in the same room much less fake dating him. But being forced to interact with him for the sake of her column has given her the opportunity to see a different side of him. And while Barrett was used to having women fawn all over him, he had his hands full trying to get Catarina to give him the time of day, let alone get a chance to explore the chemistry between them. What no one could have predicted though, was that their faux relationship would turn into the real thing.
Lemmon continues to provide tales full of wit, great banter, delicious sexual tension and wonderful characters that get me hooked right from the start. Even though Barrett comes off as a too relaxed, sure of himself smart@$$, he is a wonderful hero whose inner layers show a caring, sweet and hardworking man who has a secret he struggles with and tries to hide even from Catarina. But what’s no secret is his quest to make her feel desired.
One of the best aspects of the novel is that it falls under the enemies-to-lovers trope. Watching these two battle it out was super fun while they exchanged barbs and cute nicknames, and seeing how they fell was flat out swoony making the hard-won happy ending feel honest between the two seemingly opposite characters who turn out to be a perfect fit.
Rumor Has It is book #4 of the Real Love series by Jessica Lemmon. It is a standalone contemporary romance, told from both points of view with a happily ever after and epilogue.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2CPgnqB
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk us on FaceBook * Twitter * Pinterest Book Teasers * More reviews
On the surface, Barrett Fox fits the ex-jock bad boy persona to a tee and Catarina could not dislike the idea of being in the same room much less fake dating him. But being forced to interact with him for the sake of her column has given her the opportunity to see a different side of him. And while Barrett was used to having women fawn all over him, he had his hands full trying to get Catarina to give him the time of day, let alone get a chance to explore the chemistry between them. What no one could have predicted though, was that their faux relationship would turn into the real thing.
Lemmon continues to provide tales full of wit, great banter, delicious sexual tension and wonderful characters that get me hooked right from the start. Even though Barrett comes off as a too relaxed, sure of himself smart@$$, he is a wonderful hero whose inner layers show a caring, sweet and hardworking man who has a secret he struggles with and tries to hide even from Catarina. But what’s no secret is his quest to make her feel desired.
One of the best aspects of the novel is that it falls under the enemies-to-lovers trope. Watching these two battle it out was super fun while they exchanged barbs and cute nicknames, and seeing how they fell was flat out swoony making the hard-won happy ending feel honest between the two seemingly opposite characters who turn out to be a perfect fit.
Rumor Has It is book #4 of the Real Love series by Jessica Lemmon. It is a standalone contemporary romance, told from both points of view with a happily ever after and epilogue.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2CPgnqB
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk us on FaceBook * Twitter * Pinterest Book Teasers * More reviews
my-books
July 11, 2023Dear Reader,
Think: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, but with a Lemmon spin...
Catarina has a problem. Over six feet of smart ass, former defensive lineman, Barrett Fox. She's a type-A rule-follower, and he's the notorious "Bad Boy of the NFL," who lives up to his name in every imaginable way. When Catarina's boss assigns her to date Fox for a column that's a publicity stunt-slash-advertising money grab, Catarina remains the consummate professional and does as she's told, but as she spends more time with Barrett, she learns that he's much more than a bad boy out to reclaim his former job as a field reporter. Barrett learns something unexpected as well: as much fun as it is to be a cad, being on Catarina's to-do list is even better.
Rumor Has It is a true enemies-to-lovers tale, and as a result was incredibly fun to write! I'm making the very careful statement that Barrett Fox might be my favorite hero ever?! Can I say that? He's bad in all the great ways and good in all the right ones. RHI hits the scene in May which feels like light years away, but it'll be here before you know it! In the mean time, feel free to check out the teasers on my website at www.jessicalemmon.com/rumor-has-it
xoxo,
Jessica
Excerpt:
I’m about to type out my stern argument in reply when a paper coffee cup appears by my right arm. My eyes travel past the cup, over the masculine hand, and up a bare forearm to the rolled sleeve of a white button-down shirt. It takes more than a little control to withhold my excitement.
For the coffee, of course.
“Have you been outside today, Kitty Cat?” Barrett’s attractive mouth quirks on one side.
“Sure. I was outside before I walked through the front door this morning.”
“Uh-huh.” He takes my coffee and starts walking away from me.
“Wait!” Desperate for caffeine I deplete my energy reserves catching up to his long-legged gait. He keeps walking, forcing me to follow him to the elevator.
He doesn’t turn over my Pike Place until we’re sitting on a shaded bench at the grassy area across the street from headquarters. It’s gorgeous today. Sunny and, compared to the frigid, air-conditioned office, incredibly hot. But there’s a breeze on the air that warms my bare legs beneath the knee-length white-with-flowers dress I wore today.
After a heavenly sip of my beverage, I hum and lean heavily on Barrett’s shoulder. “I love you.”
He chuckles, low and rumbly. “Does that mean I’m getting closer to a kiss?”
“Not on your life.”
“Tough crowd.”
“What are you doing here anyway?” I sit up. “I figured you’d take the day off.”
“Mia sent edits for my column.”
I brighten. “Can I help?”
“Dying to see it, aren’t you?”
“No.” I’m a liar. I’m dying to see it.
“I have a lot of work to do on it and I couldn’t do it at home. Or in the car. Or at the park.” He offers me a wan smile.
“Are they that bad?”
“She’s right” is all he says.
“She usually is. They can’t be that bad.”
“Stop fishing. If I need a bailout I will come to you first. Okay?”
“Okay.” I sag, defeated. “What are we doing out here if you have a bunch of work to do?”
“Procrastinating.”
“Where’s your coffee?”
“I drank it on the way to the office.”
We hold each other’s gazes and I find myself liking him like this. He’s slightly vulnerable and carefully honest. And he delivered a gift of coffee when I needed it the most. My favorite coffee.
“Thanks, Fox.”
He leans back on the bench, resting his arms wide. When I lean back with him he curls a hand around my shoulder.
“All part of the plan to get in your pants.”
Think: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, but with a Lemmon spin...
Catarina has a problem. Over six feet of smart ass, former defensive lineman, Barrett Fox. She's a type-A rule-follower, and he's the notorious "Bad Boy of the NFL," who lives up to his name in every imaginable way. When Catarina's boss assigns her to date Fox for a column that's a publicity stunt-slash-advertising money grab, Catarina remains the consummate professional and does as she's told, but as she spends more time with Barrett, she learns that he's much more than a bad boy out to reclaim his former job as a field reporter. Barrett learns something unexpected as well: as much fun as it is to be a cad, being on Catarina's to-do list is even better.
Rumor Has It is a true enemies-to-lovers tale, and as a result was incredibly fun to write! I'm making the very careful statement that Barrett Fox might be my favorite hero ever?! Can I say that? He's bad in all the great ways and good in all the right ones. RHI hits the scene in May which feels like light years away, but it'll be here before you know it! In the mean time, feel free to check out the teasers on my website at www.jessicalemmon.com/rumor-has-it
xoxo,
Jessica
Excerpt:
I’m about to type out my stern argument in reply when a paper coffee cup appears by my right arm. My eyes travel past the cup, over the masculine hand, and up a bare forearm to the rolled sleeve of a white button-down shirt. It takes more than a little control to withhold my excitement.
For the coffee, of course.
“Have you been outside today, Kitty Cat?” Barrett’s attractive mouth quirks on one side.
“Sure. I was outside before I walked through the front door this morning.”
“Uh-huh.” He takes my coffee and starts walking away from me.
“Wait!” Desperate for caffeine I deplete my energy reserves catching up to his long-legged gait. He keeps walking, forcing me to follow him to the elevator.
He doesn’t turn over my Pike Place until we’re sitting on a shaded bench at the grassy area across the street from headquarters. It’s gorgeous today. Sunny and, compared to the frigid, air-conditioned office, incredibly hot. But there’s a breeze on the air that warms my bare legs beneath the knee-length white-with-flowers dress I wore today.
After a heavenly sip of my beverage, I hum and lean heavily on Barrett’s shoulder. “I love you.”
He chuckles, low and rumbly. “Does that mean I’m getting closer to a kiss?”
“Not on your life.”
“Tough crowd.”
“What are you doing here anyway?” I sit up. “I figured you’d take the day off.”
“Mia sent edits for my column.”
I brighten. “Can I help?”
“Dying to see it, aren’t you?”
“No.” I’m a liar. I’m dying to see it.
“I have a lot of work to do on it and I couldn’t do it at home. Or in the car. Or at the park.” He offers me a wan smile.
“Are they that bad?”
“She’s right” is all he says.
“She usually is. They can’t be that bad.”
“Stop fishing. If I need a bailout I will come to you first. Okay?”
“Okay.” I sag, defeated. “What are we doing out here if you have a bunch of work to do?”
“Procrastinating.”
“Where’s your coffee?”
“I drank it on the way to the office.”
We hold each other’s gazes and I find myself liking him like this. He’s slightly vulnerable and carefully honest. And he delivered a gift of coffee when I needed it the most. My favorite coffee.
“Thanks, Fox.”
He leans back on the bench, resting his arms wide. When I lean back with him he curls a hand around my shoulder.
“All part of the plan to get in your pants.”
September 17, 2018
3.5 Nothing As It Seems...Well Sort Of Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free and It's Live!!!
The Real Love series by Jessica Lemmon has been a fun read. This time she takes Barrett, who has this Crass Ass image. He was a huge football star who had his career cut off way too soon by an injury.
He recently was an on the field commentator for a network only to shoot himself in the foot by mouthing off to a female referee on live television for a call she made. This starts his downward turn which he needs to disparately change.
This is paired with Catarina, a driven journalist, who works for a publisher who wants hits on the site anyway she can get it. Catarina is paired with Barrett to do a series of "Dates" that are supposed to be real but are far from it...
Well, not exactly...
Because once this Oil and Vinegar couple start this ploy...Things start to surface... Like how how hard Barrett's childhood life was and what type of responsibilities he carried and stilled carries on his shoulders. He got locked into a type... player and fresh, brash mouthed... using it to hide and distract.
As time goes by, his true self is shown and we benefit...
And so does Catarina. She is shown how a relationship should be... how interest should be shown, how sparks should fly.
I thought this was a good read with the crass sports guy who hid behind all of that and a woman who was a bit uptight but had ethics and was willing to see the real man behind the crass. He turned out to be caring and concerned for her... she was better for him and him better because of her.
Love Lemmon and this series.
Eye Candy (Real Love, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Arm Candy (Real Love, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Man Candy (Real Love, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rumor Has It (Real Love, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
America's Sweetheart (Real Love, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free and It's Live!!!
The Real Love series by Jessica Lemmon has been a fun read. This time she takes Barrett, who has this Crass Ass image. He was a huge football star who had his career cut off way too soon by an injury.
He recently was an on the field commentator for a network only to shoot himself in the foot by mouthing off to a female referee on live television for a call she made. This starts his downward turn which he needs to disparately change.
This is paired with Catarina, a driven journalist, who works for a publisher who wants hits on the site anyway she can get it. Catarina is paired with Barrett to do a series of "Dates" that are supposed to be real but are far from it...
Well, not exactly...
Because once this Oil and Vinegar couple start this ploy...Things start to surface... Like how how hard Barrett's childhood life was and what type of responsibilities he carried and stilled carries on his shoulders. He got locked into a type... player and fresh, brash mouthed... using it to hide and distract.
As time goes by, his true self is shown and we benefit...
And so does Catarina. She is shown how a relationship should be... how interest should be shown, how sparks should fly.
I thought this was a good read with the crass sports guy who hid behind all of that and a woman who was a bit uptight but had ethics and was willing to see the real man behind the crass. He turned out to be caring and concerned for her... she was better for him and him better because of her.
Love Lemmon and this series.
Eye Candy (Real Love, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Arm Candy (Real Love, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Man Candy (Real Love, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rumor Has It (Real Love, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
America's Sweetheart (Real Love, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
December 31, 2018
3.75 STARS
Rumor Has It by Jessica Lemmon
When I first started reading this book I thought I'd read this story before but was pleasantly surprised as I continued through. The story is strong however the character development could have been stronger. There is one piece of the story that will upset some readers (as indicated in other reviews) in this evolving climate. I'm a woman and strongly encourage this change. That said, this is FICTION and Barrett is remorseful however that doesn't come out until much later in the story. The author put this in play and should have let it evolve a bit more giving the readers more opportunity to understand Barrett. Again, if the characters were a tad more developed readers would have accepted him and his past.
The story was sold as a bad boy but is Barrett truly a bad boy orrrrrr misunderstood? Barrett is likable and a former football star. Most of what we hear about him is based on perception and assumptions...thus Rumor Has It.
Catarina is also likable to a point. She is almost too perfect if that makes sense, her only flaw being that she settled for a past relationship...but haven't we all? It would have been more intriguing if she was flawed in some untypical way.
Please understand this is still a 4 star read and I was entertained. Would I recommend this book, yes. Rumor Has It is a lighthearted fun read.
Rumor Has It by Jessica Lemmon
When I first started reading this book I thought I'd read this story before but was pleasantly surprised as I continued through. The story is strong however the character development could have been stronger. There is one piece of the story that will upset some readers (as indicated in other reviews) in this evolving climate. I'm a woman and strongly encourage this change. That said, this is FICTION and Barrett is remorseful however that doesn't come out until much later in the story. The author put this in play and should have let it evolve a bit more giving the readers more opportunity to understand Barrett. Again, if the characters were a tad more developed readers would have accepted him and his past.
The story was sold as a bad boy but is Barrett truly a bad boy orrrrrr misunderstood? Barrett is likable and a former football star. Most of what we hear about him is based on perception and assumptions...thus Rumor Has It.
Catarina is also likable to a point. She is almost too perfect if that makes sense, her only flaw being that she settled for a past relationship...but haven't we all? It would have been more intriguing if she was flawed in some untypical way.
Please understand this is still a 4 star read and I was entertained. Would I recommend this book, yes. Rumor Has It is a lighthearted fun read.
May 20, 2018
3.5
A shoulder injury put an end to Barrett Fox's NFL career but it's his rude attitude and offensive language that lost him his job as a commentator. Dubbed as the Bad Boy of the NFL, Barrett call himself an irrational asshole. He does have a tendancy to act like an immature jerk sometimes, especially in the first third of the book, and I understand why his behavior ruined it for some people but I thought he had his moments and he changed throughout the story, when coming into connection with the heroine.
Journalist Catarina Everheart write the women's column. She learned at the same time as her collegues the next assignment her boss chose for her. "Catarina isn't being assigned a self-improvement article. She's going to date a bad boy and tells our readership about it. In details."
Fake date an arrogant ex-athlete is not the definition of dream job for the heroine. And how will she deal with it when she already have a boyfriend ? She's gonna have to find the patience of a saint to not let the irritating male get to her. And since Barrett also write his perspective of the dates she's curious to know what he have to say about it.
If you can get past the hero initial douchy attitude, you'll have a great time with this book. I thought this book was a mix of good things and missed opportunities. For example, I wanted so much to read Catarina and Barrett's articles and really expected to see it. I wanted to see more about her work as a journalist too. I also expected and wanted to see more about their fake dates. But finally, an author who understand the importance of breaking up with the actual partner before your character begin something else with an other. And kudos for Jessica Lemmon for not writing the overused cliché of the manwhore athlete nor the one about ex girlfriends being bitches. Even if Barrett's initial attitude made me cringe, what really bothered me is not being able to tell when he was serious and when he wasn't or if he really thought what he said or just playing at being a jerk. But he also made me laugh and I admire his determination at doing the job by himself even if it was tough and it would have been easier for him to accept Catarina's offer to do it for him. I liked that she had a backbone and her forthright repartee.
A shoulder injury put an end to Barrett Fox's NFL career but it's his rude attitude and offensive language that lost him his job as a commentator. Dubbed as the Bad Boy of the NFL, Barrett call himself an irrational asshole. He does have a tendancy to act like an immature jerk sometimes, especially in the first third of the book, and I understand why his behavior ruined it for some people but I thought he had his moments and he changed throughout the story, when coming into connection with the heroine.
Journalist Catarina Everheart write the women's column. She learned at the same time as her collegues the next assignment her boss chose for her. "Catarina isn't being assigned a self-improvement article. She's going to date a bad boy and tells our readership about it. In details."
Fake date an arrogant ex-athlete is not the definition of dream job for the heroine. And how will she deal with it when she already have a boyfriend ? She's gonna have to find the patience of a saint to not let the irritating male get to her. And since Barrett also write his perspective of the dates she's curious to know what he have to say about it.
If you can get past the hero initial douchy attitude, you'll have a great time with this book. I thought this book was a mix of good things and missed opportunities. For example, I wanted so much to read Catarina and Barrett's articles and really expected to see it. I wanted to see more about her work as a journalist too. I also expected and wanted to see more about their fake dates. But finally, an author who understand the importance of breaking up with the actual partner before your character begin something else with an other. And kudos for Jessica Lemmon for not writing the overused cliché of the manwhore athlete nor the one about ex girlfriends being bitches. Even if Barrett's initial attitude made me cringe, what really bothered me is not being able to tell when he was serious and when he wasn't or if he really thought what he said or just playing at being a jerk. But he also made me laugh and I admire his determination at doing the job by himself even if it was tough and it would have been easier for him to accept Catarina's offer to do it for him. I liked that she had a backbone and her forthright repartee.
May 28, 2018
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*3.5 Stars!*
Rumor Has It is the fourth book Jessica Lemmon's Real Love series and follows our main characters, Catarina Everhart and Barrett Fox. Known as the 'Bad Boy of the NFL', Barrett shows how he earned the nickname when he goes off on a referee during a game, costing him his field reporting job. Hoping to earn back his job, he agrees to a publicity stunt—pretending to date journalist, Catarina. Pretending to date is easier said than done, but what happens when the neither one is no longer pretending?
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book because I was under the impression that the Real Love series was a trilogy, but I guess I missed the memo where the author decided to extend it. Anyways, the books in this series have always been a hit or miss for me and the latest installment was a hit. Rumor Has It is a fake dating office romance filled with a lot of angst. Fake dating is actually one of my least favorite romance trope, mainly because the endings are so obvious but I was so entertained by the characters in this book that I didn't mind it at all. Barrett and Catarina are both opposites and they spend most of this book fighting their attraction to one another. But you know what they, opposites attract and these two can't hold off on acting on their emotions for two long. I really liked how things developed between the pair and even though the conflict was resolved easily, I felt like it worked for this book.
I initially taught that Barrett would be your typical cocky hero, but he is lowkey a teddy bear. Yes he does have a reputation for being a bit of a playboy, but when he's in a relationship, he's committed and caring and just so sweet. I think Catarina might be my favorite heroine in this series. She has a Type A personality so I really enjoyed seeing her unwind and let loose and not be worried about deadlines or maintaining a certain appearance. She also put Barrett in his place a few times and I was here for the sass!
All in all, Rumor Has It was an entertaining read and I look forward to the next installment in the Real Love series!
*3.5 Stars!*
❝ I want you. Whatever involves you. That's what I want.❞
Rumor Has It is the fourth book Jessica Lemmon's Real Love series and follows our main characters, Catarina Everhart and Barrett Fox. Known as the 'Bad Boy of the NFL', Barrett shows how he earned the nickname when he goes off on a referee during a game, costing him his field reporting job. Hoping to earn back his job, he agrees to a publicity stunt—pretending to date journalist, Catarina. Pretending to date is easier said than done, but what happens when the neither one is no longer pretending?
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book because I was under the impression that the Real Love series was a trilogy, but I guess I missed the memo where the author decided to extend it. Anyways, the books in this series have always been a hit or miss for me and the latest installment was a hit. Rumor Has It is a fake dating office romance filled with a lot of angst. Fake dating is actually one of my least favorite romance trope, mainly because the endings are so obvious but I was so entertained by the characters in this book that I didn't mind it at all. Barrett and Catarina are both opposites and they spend most of this book fighting their attraction to one another. But you know what they, opposites attract and these two can't hold off on acting on their emotions for two long. I really liked how things developed between the pair and even though the conflict was resolved easily, I felt like it worked for this book.
I initially taught that Barrett would be your typical cocky hero, but he is lowkey a teddy bear. Yes he does have a reputation for being a bit of a playboy, but when he's in a relationship, he's committed and caring and just so sweet. I think Catarina might be my favorite heroine in this series. She has a Type A personality so I really enjoyed seeing her unwind and let loose and not be worried about deadlines or maintaining a certain appearance. She also put Barrett in his place a few times and I was here for the sass!
All in all, Rumor Has It was an entertaining read and I look forward to the next installment in the Real Love series!
March 22, 2023
Suspension of disbelief was the name of the game with the premise. Once you accept that a crazy editor would force her columnist, who is already in a relationship, to date a disgraced celebrity for click revenues, you can embark on a pretty nice love journey.
Catarina and Barrett couldn’t be more different. While she comes from a wealthy family and likes her life to be well organized, he’s had a wonkier start and he thrives on doing whatever he wants, whenever he wants. Of course, spending time together will help them find some sort of balance, a common ground. They end up seeing past their differences to discover each other’s qualities worth falling for.
Before love, there was attraction, and the chemistry was real. Catarina fights it some, but Barrett is all in right from the start, and it was fun to see him wearing down her walls. Though the dates are planned and have as only purpose to sell add space with the articles they write about them, they act like real dates, meaning they slowly seduce each other while spending time together. That’s how love appears.
There were several fun and entertaining moments–and the sexy–which made the more emotional moments even more emotional. Barrett has a secret, one he’s hidden his whole life to everyone. The author makes sure Barrett’s opinion on it is only his, since Catarina is extremely supportive when he tells her, and it has an interesting impact on Barrett’s life later. After it somehow threatens their blooming relationship.
It wasn’t the deepest book, but it worked really well. I really enjoyed Catarina and Barrett’s story.
Quickie
- Series: Real love #4 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #fake relationship #enemies to lovers #opposites attract #learning disability
- Triggers: alcohol abuse
- Main couple: Catarina Everhart & Barrett Fox
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + I loved how Barrett slowly pushed Catarina to be a bit wilder
- – Mia was truly awful and I don’t understand why Catarina would keep working for her
Catarina and Barrett couldn’t be more different. While she comes from a wealthy family and likes her life to be well organized, he’s had a wonkier start and he thrives on doing whatever he wants, whenever he wants. Of course, spending time together will help them find some sort of balance, a common ground. They end up seeing past their differences to discover each other’s qualities worth falling for.
Before love, there was attraction, and the chemistry was real. Catarina fights it some, but Barrett is all in right from the start, and it was fun to see him wearing down her walls. Though the dates are planned and have as only purpose to sell add space with the articles they write about them, they act like real dates, meaning they slowly seduce each other while spending time together. That’s how love appears.
There were several fun and entertaining moments–and the sexy–which made the more emotional moments even more emotional. Barrett has a secret, one he’s hidden his whole life to everyone. The author makes sure Barrett’s opinion on it is only his, since Catarina is extremely supportive when he tells her, and it has an interesting impact on Barrett’s life later. After it somehow threatens their blooming relationship.
It wasn’t the deepest book, but it worked really well. I really enjoyed Catarina and Barrett’s story.
Quickie
- Series: Real love #4 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #fake relationship #enemies to lovers #opposites attract #learning disability
- Triggers: alcohol abuse
- Main couple: Catarina Everhart & Barrett Fox
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + I loved how Barrett slowly pushed Catarina to be a bit wilder
- – Mia was truly awful and I don’t understand why Catarina would keep working for her
May 9, 2018
4 stars
March 12, 2023
I totally loved this story, it was a great rom com. Barrett Fox had played college & pro football & stopped due to an injury. After that he was a reporter at college games but lost it at a ref at a game, when her call lost his team the win.
Catarina Everheart is a writer for Chat and has to write a series called Dating a Bad Boy. She is a type A when it comes to work & behaves and always does what she should. Barrett is the bad boy but we get to see his layers. It was so much fun to see these 2 characters interact with each other while pretending to date. Barrett is used to women falling all over him & Catarina barely smiles at him.
Catarina Everheart is a writer for Chat and has to write a series called Dating a Bad Boy. She is a type A when it comes to work & behaves and always does what she should. Barrett is the bad boy but we get to see his layers. It was so much fun to see these 2 characters interact with each other while pretending to date. Barrett is used to women falling all over him & Catarina barely smiles at him.
May 16, 2018
I love Barrett and Cat!! Their with and sexy times are fun!
May 15, 2018
I am really enjoying this series by Jessica Lemmon. The characters are all fun and feisty, the storylines she writes are always different, fresh and fun. Rumor Has It was no different.
Barrett knew that woman flaunted all over him. He was just fine and dandy with that. What woman wouldn't want to fake date him. Well, Catarina, apparently. Yes, she has a boyfriend. Yes, he sounds like a real stuffed shirt. But, he may be just what prissy, uptight Kitty Cat thinks she needs. Until that first kiss … then all bets are off. But, for the life of him, he can't understand why he is so attracted to her and can't help but open up to her … well, after she figures him out for herself.
Caterina wants nothing to do with the cocky pro football star who can't handle himself in social situations under any circumstances. Case-in-point, his first live broadcast, which made him more famous than his arm. But, damn, his cockiness is really turning her on and changing her outlook on love and life. Oh, yea, she dumped the stuffed shirt. And, it was the best thing she ever did. But, she knows Barrett is hiding something and the reporter in her is dying to find out. Her heart isn't ready for the real Barrett – the one his fans and admirers don't see. The serious side, the fun side, his singing voice … you know, the not cocky side of the man. She's falling for the bad-boy and has no idea of how to stop it.
Well, Barrett does a good job at stopping it. And, Caterina has a hard time forgiving him for not asking before assuming. Then, doing it in front of all her co-workers? It may take an act of God for her to forgive him. Or, maybe his next live broadcast.
Jessica Lemmon had me laughing out loud in places and cringing in others. Then, she handled a subject matter that is very prevalent today. I loved how she handled it, how she explained it. Very classy. And, bringing back some other characters really made me smile. This story was the whole package … a RomCom with a little bit of seriousness and a whole lot of love.
May 20, 2018
***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***
Usually, in books about a bad boy, he is reformed. He has seen the error of his ways, or at least he does so rather quickly so you can like and connect with him as a reader.
Barrett. Not so much. He's a jerk. A grab the waitress, say rude things to everyone, show up when he darn well pleases jerk.
I loved him anyway.
Barrett and Catarina have an instant spark, and a connection. The problem? She is dating someone else, and is assigned by her magazine to also date Barrett. Something Barrett has little to no issue with, and really, that is the first problem between them.
The others are their attraction, the fact that they work together, and the fact that he can be a complete ass.
Their chemistry was fantastic, and in an enemies to lovers story, you have to be willing to believe they are enemies. This worked.
I know I have heard there are some reviews for this one that say he is too much of a jerk, but, he really wasn't...he was himself. And, you like him by the end. I promise.
I recommend this title.
Usually, in books about a bad boy, he is reformed. He has seen the error of his ways, or at least he does so rather quickly so you can like and connect with him as a reader.
Barrett. Not so much. He's a jerk. A grab the waitress, say rude things to everyone, show up when he darn well pleases jerk.
I loved him anyway.
Barrett and Catarina have an instant spark, and a connection. The problem? She is dating someone else, and is assigned by her magazine to also date Barrett. Something Barrett has little to no issue with, and really, that is the first problem between them.
The others are their attraction, the fact that they work together, and the fact that he can be a complete ass.
Their chemistry was fantastic, and in an enemies to lovers story, you have to be willing to believe they are enemies. This worked.
I know I have heard there are some reviews for this one that say he is too much of a jerk, but, he really wasn't...he was himself. And, you like him by the end. I promise.
I recommend this title.
May 4, 2018
There is something about a bad boy redemption story...
I mean - I make no secret that I am powerless to resist a rascal. And I think Barrett Fox takes it one step beyond that even. Full disclosure: I wasn't really sure what to make of him at first. I mean - he was a bad boy. And because of that - along with the fact that enemies to lovers stories are sort of hit-or-miss for me - it took me a little while to warm up to him. And Catarina. And this whole story. I basically spent the first quarter of this book on the fence - but unable to put it down. Even when I wasn't sure I loved the characters, I was certain I wanted to know what happened to them.
And then - as was intended, I'm pretty sure - the whole thing turned around for me. I got the peeks of soft underbelly that I'd been craving. The antagonism turned into reluctant feelings and then the ooey gooey heart flutters that to which I am positively addicted. On top of that, Ms. Lemmon writes with such charm - and there were lines and scenes littered throughout the book that had me smiling so big and, at least at one point, took my breath away.
So, in the end - Barrett completely stole my heart. Rumor Has It is a fantastic redemption story. It's light and fun, sexy and engaging and it broke down all my walls leaving me with a giant smile on my face! ~ Shelly, 4 "FoxyCat" Stars
I mean - I make no secret that I am powerless to resist a rascal. And I think Barrett Fox takes it one step beyond that even. Full disclosure: I wasn't really sure what to make of him at first. I mean - he was a bad boy. And because of that - along with the fact that enemies to lovers stories are sort of hit-or-miss for me - it took me a little while to warm up to him. And Catarina. And this whole story. I basically spent the first quarter of this book on the fence - but unable to put it down. Even when I wasn't sure I loved the characters, I was certain I wanted to know what happened to them.
And then - as was intended, I'm pretty sure - the whole thing turned around for me. I got the peeks of soft underbelly that I'd been craving. The antagonism turned into reluctant feelings and then the ooey gooey heart flutters that to which I am positively addicted. On top of that, Ms. Lemmon writes with such charm - and there were lines and scenes littered throughout the book that had me smiling so big and, at least at one point, took my breath away.
So, in the end - Barrett completely stole my heart. Rumor Has It is a fantastic redemption story. It's light and fun, sexy and engaging and it broke down all my walls leaving me with a giant smile on my face! ~ Shelly, 4 "FoxyCat" Stars
June 7, 2018
This was a cute read. Another one to add to my enemies-to-lovers folder.
ARC via NetGalley
ARC via NetGalley
May 14, 2018
**Rumor Has It generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
3 "Where to start?" Stars
A new romantic comedy from Jessica Lemmon that features an uncouth, bad boy hero and the proper working girl who can't stand him upon first sight. Forced together for a work assignment to boost Catarina's column at work, her and Barrett are enemies first, kinda friends, lovers and so on. Their banter is realistic and fun and Barrett's ability to thaw Catarina's ice was my favorite part of the journey they take together. Written from alternating points of view the story gave us Lemmon's writing from both perspectives in interesting ways.
It lacked for me in certain places where I felt like it was dragging and Barrett was really over the top selling his bad boy image. I didn't buy into it exactly and kept thinking he was acting like too much of a fraud. And some of their dates that I thought would be the highlight of their story weren't very passionate or exposing in any way. The vulnerability didn't come until towards the end.
Both the characters and the writing make for an enjoyable comedic romance though. It has it's tender moments along with the passionate ones full of charm. It's not too long and made for a nice afternoon read.
3 "Where to start?" Stars
A new romantic comedy from Jessica Lemmon that features an uncouth, bad boy hero and the proper working girl who can't stand him upon first sight. Forced together for a work assignment to boost Catarina's column at work, her and Barrett are enemies first, kinda friends, lovers and so on. Their banter is realistic and fun and Barrett's ability to thaw Catarina's ice was my favorite part of the journey they take together. Written from alternating points of view the story gave us Lemmon's writing from both perspectives in interesting ways.
It lacked for me in certain places where I felt like it was dragging and Barrett was really over the top selling his bad boy image. I didn't buy into it exactly and kept thinking he was acting like too much of a fraud. And some of their dates that I thought would be the highlight of their story weren't very passionate or exposing in any way. The vulnerability didn't come until towards the end.
Both the characters and the writing make for an enjoyable comedic romance though. It has it's tender moments along with the passionate ones full of charm. It's not too long and made for a nice afternoon read.
October 8, 2018
What happens when a ex-NFL bad boy is paired with a work-a-holic, rigid reporter? You get a fun and sexy romance, where opposites attract in the best way.
The Set-up:
Barrett agrees to fake-date Catarina, and write a column about their dates as part of a publicity stunt to improve his image with female readers, and perhaps, also save his DOA career.
My Thoughts:
There may not have been insta-love, but there was definitely insta-lust. Catarina and Barrett spent quite a bit of time fighting their mutual attraction while exchanging barbs, but the more time they spent with each other, the more Catarina realized that Barrett was hiding a rather fantastic person under that bad boy armor.
I loved both Catarina and Barrett. Catarina was extremely driven and good at her job, but she short changed herself when it came to her own relationships, and accepted less than she deserved from her boyfriend. The relationship left her slightly wounded, and I was more than happy when Barrett entered the picture, and showed her that she was worthy of much more.
Barrett's backstory was complicated, and he was wrestling with his feelings of inadequacy due to his upbringing. He struggled with his past, and always felt "less than", even though he wasn't. Catarina was able to see through his facade to the real Barrett, and I got so much pleasure when she unwrapped him layer by layer, and let the true Barrett Fox shine through.
Yeah, there were some deep parts, but there were a LOT more fun moments in this book. The office antics were one thing that made me smile. These two were in constant verbal sparring mode, and it was quite amusing to behold. And the dates, which started out outrageous, soon turned out to be sweet and fun.
One thing I really liked was how they complimented and influenced each other in a good way. Barrett began to focus more, and pushed himself to produce a great column for the paper. Catrina began to loosen up a little, and enjoy more outside of work. It was almost as if they were meeting somewhere in the middle, and finding a perfect balance.
Overall: A sexy and fun hate-to-love fauxmance-romance, where an uber-disciplined woman and a bad boy reform each other.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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The Set-up:
Barrett agrees to fake-date Catarina, and write a column about their dates as part of a publicity stunt to improve his image with female readers, and perhaps, also save his DOA career.
My Thoughts:
There may not have been insta-love, but there was definitely insta-lust. Catarina and Barrett spent quite a bit of time fighting their mutual attraction while exchanging barbs, but the more time they spent with each other, the more Catarina realized that Barrett was hiding a rather fantastic person under that bad boy armor.
I loved both Catarina and Barrett. Catarina was extremely driven and good at her job, but she short changed herself when it came to her own relationships, and accepted less than she deserved from her boyfriend. The relationship left her slightly wounded, and I was more than happy when Barrett entered the picture, and showed her that she was worthy of much more.
Barrett's backstory was complicated, and he was wrestling with his feelings of inadequacy due to his upbringing. He struggled with his past, and always felt "less than", even though he wasn't. Catarina was able to see through his facade to the real Barrett, and I got so much pleasure when she unwrapped him layer by layer, and let the true Barrett Fox shine through.
Yeah, there were some deep parts, but there were a LOT more fun moments in this book. The office antics were one thing that made me smile. These two were in constant verbal sparring mode, and it was quite amusing to behold. And the dates, which started out outrageous, soon turned out to be sweet and fun.
One thing I really liked was how they complimented and influenced each other in a good way. Barrett began to focus more, and pushed himself to produce a great column for the paper. Catrina began to loosen up a little, and enjoy more outside of work. It was almost as if they were meeting somewhere in the middle, and finding a perfect balance.
Overall: A sexy and fun hate-to-love fauxmance-romance, where an uber-disciplined woman and a bad boy reform each other.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
October 23, 2024
another book to add to the stiletto/oxford multiverse, and this one is if “love the one you’re with” and “i wish you were mine” had a book child. the mmc from the next book being called JACKSON BURKE? legit froze, stopped the audiobook and looked away as if i was in an episode from the office, looking at a camera.
March 26, 2018
Sexy and funny, Jessica Lemmon is a master of sweet romances that make you melt inside!
April 13, 2018
The fun cover and synopsis for Rumor Has It made me instantly one-click the preorder. When an advance copy became available, I jumped at it. My excitement quickly gave way to dismay and then outrage before I had to dnf early into the story. To be frank, even a month after I stomped away, I still get upset thinking about this “hero”.
I’ve read thousands of romance novels. Barrett Fox is in no way a romantic hero. I won’t even call him a man, because men don’t treat women the way he treats the women in this story. Up to the point I jumped out, his every thought, comment, and action demonstrates he has no respect for women. Absolutely none. His treatment of the heroine is hateful and a classic example of workplace sexual harassment. What’s confusing is that his behavior is completely unwarranted. What’s even more disheartening and infuriating is that he’s quite proud of himself for it. Truly, if I wanted to read about this type of vile, abusive, misogynistic male all I need do is open up Facebook or Twitter.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Because of that, I tried twice to get through the story, but the abusive behavior was just too much to bear. Short of an unlikely DALLAS type “gotcha” moment that explained it was all a horrific dream and never actually happened, literally nothing could redeem this character for me.
I’ve read thousands of romance novels. Barrett Fox is in no way a romantic hero. I won’t even call him a man, because men don’t treat women the way he treats the women in this story. Up to the point I jumped out, his every thought, comment, and action demonstrates he has no respect for women. Absolutely none. His treatment of the heroine is hateful and a classic example of workplace sexual harassment. What’s confusing is that his behavior is completely unwarranted. What’s even more disheartening and infuriating is that he’s quite proud of himself for it. Truly, if I wanted to read about this type of vile, abusive, misogynistic male all I need do is open up Facebook or Twitter.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Because of that, I tried twice to get through the story, but the abusive behavior was just too much to bear. Short of an unlikely DALLAS type “gotcha” moment that explained it was all a horrific dream and never actually happened, literally nothing could redeem this character for me.
May 14, 2018
What can be better than an enemies to lovers/bad boy story? NOTHING!
Catarina is a journalist who writes a lifestyle column for her newspaper, and is pretty damn good at it too. But then her boss has decides to throw a curveball her way and make Cat “fake” date an ex NFL player who is the media’s favorite bad boy, Barrett Fox. Oh, did I mention Cat has a boyfriend as well??
Barrett lost his cool on national TV over a bad call and needs to be seen in a different light and writing a column about dating is the way to go. However, he just can’t seem to stop getting on Cat’s last nerve. But when their “fake” dates start to become something to look forward to and Cat and Barrett both see a different side of each other, their relationship is about to be as real as it can get. Until secrets and a misunderstanding threaten to tear it all apart.
The dialogue between Cat and Barrett was perfect. The two of them together set off sparks like I’ve never read before. I loved Barrett and his innuendos and Cat’s snarky comebacks, but then I also enjoyed the softer side of them both and how hard these two fell for each other.
And can I just add...that cover is AMAZING. Simple but absolutely perfect and one I need on my shelves!
Catarina is a journalist who writes a lifestyle column for her newspaper, and is pretty damn good at it too. But then her boss has decides to throw a curveball her way and make Cat “fake” date an ex NFL player who is the media’s favorite bad boy, Barrett Fox. Oh, did I mention Cat has a boyfriend as well??
Barrett lost his cool on national TV over a bad call and needs to be seen in a different light and writing a column about dating is the way to go. However, he just can’t seem to stop getting on Cat’s last nerve. But when their “fake” dates start to become something to look forward to and Cat and Barrett both see a different side of each other, their relationship is about to be as real as it can get. Until secrets and a misunderstanding threaten to tear it all apart.
The dialogue between Cat and Barrett was perfect. The two of them together set off sparks like I’ve never read before. I loved Barrett and his innuendos and Cat’s snarky comebacks, but then I also enjoyed the softer side of them both and how hard these two fell for each other.
And can I just add...that cover is AMAZING. Simple but absolutely perfect and one I need on my shelves!
November 17, 2019
I LOVE the banter between Catrina and Barrett! Their love/hate relationship is one for the books, he knows just what buttons to push and she loves to put him in his place. If you're thinking what I'm thinking you're right, it makes for great foreplay because the chemistry between the two of them is sizzling!
Rumor Has It is narrated by Aiden Snow and Lucy Rivers and while I usually like the way the narrators work together I was not a fan of the female narrator (Lucy Rivers) when she was doing Barrett's parts, I wish the male narrator (Aiden Snow) did them all.
This was a good addition to the series, each book can be read as a standalone but they are all so good I would recommend reading them all in order.
Happy Reading!!!
Rumor Has It is narrated by Aiden Snow and Lucy Rivers and while I usually like the way the narrators work together I was not a fan of the female narrator (Lucy Rivers) when she was doing Barrett's parts, I wish the male narrator (Aiden Snow) did them all.
This was a good addition to the series, each book can be read as a standalone but they are all so good I would recommend reading them all in order.
Happy Reading!!!
February 27, 2018
I really did not like this book. Barrett is so misogynistic that it is unrealistic that anyone would ever act the way he does. I assume that eventually the reader will discover his heart of gold, but I didn't wait to find out.
February 28, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley for granting my request for an ARC of this book. The review below is entirely my own opinion:
I couldn't connect with either MC. I found Barrett's behavior to be too douchey to be likable. And as for Catarina, she was too stand-offish for me. Sorry, not a fan of the book.
I couldn't connect with either MC. I found Barrett's behavior to be too douchey to be likable. And as for Catarina, she was too stand-offish for me. Sorry, not a fan of the book.
April 7, 2018
That cover, that cover ladies is the lure right into the spider web that is Barrett Fox. Once there, you won't want to leave. I read this book twice, yes I did.
You know you read a book and wonder what was going on in the authors mind when they wrote it and what they were thinking .....yeah you know. You've done it. Holy hell what a story this is and I loved Cat and Barrett. Barrett took a little getting used to, kind of like trying to scratch the itch you just can't reach. Cat was extraordinary. I loved her. Her wit, brains, sarcasm and low tolerance for Fox's bull. Barrett just gets off on rubbing Cat the wrong way and nicknames her KittyCat. One more thing she added to the pile of nonsense that grated on her nerves about Barrett. The list just grew.
Cat writes a lifestyle type column for a newspaper and her boss decides to kick things up a notch with summer coming and Cat's relationship articles are going to take a new twist when she's going to "fake" date the ex NFL player and now unemployed football commentator Barrett Fox. This serves two purposes, makes the paper money her boss Mia says and Fox needs the good press after his blowout at a bad call on live TV. Cat is instantly against the idea and when she meets Barrett, she's doubly sure she wants no part of this jackal wearing dress pants and nice shoes. Barrett can't help himself every single chance he gets he's busting her chops and totally loaded with innuendo. Oh this man. He made me crazy in the best way. So these two go on dates, each writes a commentary about the date, separately. Neither of them knows what the other wrote until they read it. Barrett really struggles getting his thoughts down and Cat offers to help and he declines, meanwhile he's wooing her with coffee and being nice. Seriously... he is. The relationship evolves and these two throw off more sparks than the 4th of July. Barrett was a panty dropper without a doubt and had Cat purring.
The back and forth was great. The dialogue was over the top. The way they played of each other was the best. I wanted to wake and shake too!
Then like all great stories when one (Fox) of them steps in it and suffers from verbal diarrhea, along with a couple other unmentionable ailments; wow did I ever get whiplash. Cat already dealing with enough and there's Barrett. She did what I would have done. Barrett deserved to simmer in his own juices a little longer than he did. I had a couple WTH moments when I read what he said twice. I told you I read the book twice. Is all well that ends well?
This book is an absolute must read and my favorite book of the series!! Starting with that cover.
Just dive into this one like I did, because it's that good. It deserves far more than 5 stars. It's a keeper.
Insanely great read Jessica!
**arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
You know you read a book and wonder what was going on in the authors mind when they wrote it and what they were thinking .....yeah you know. You've done it. Holy hell what a story this is and I loved Cat and Barrett. Barrett took a little getting used to, kind of like trying to scratch the itch you just can't reach. Cat was extraordinary. I loved her. Her wit, brains, sarcasm and low tolerance for Fox's bull. Barrett just gets off on rubbing Cat the wrong way and nicknames her KittyCat. One more thing she added to the pile of nonsense that grated on her nerves about Barrett. The list just grew.
Cat writes a lifestyle type column for a newspaper and her boss decides to kick things up a notch with summer coming and Cat's relationship articles are going to take a new twist when she's going to "fake" date the ex NFL player and now unemployed football commentator Barrett Fox. This serves two purposes, makes the paper money her boss Mia says and Fox needs the good press after his blowout at a bad call on live TV. Cat is instantly against the idea and when she meets Barrett, she's doubly sure she wants no part of this jackal wearing dress pants and nice shoes. Barrett can't help himself every single chance he gets he's busting her chops and totally loaded with innuendo. Oh this man. He made me crazy in the best way. So these two go on dates, each writes a commentary about the date, separately. Neither of them knows what the other wrote until they read it. Barrett really struggles getting his thoughts down and Cat offers to help and he declines, meanwhile he's wooing her with coffee and being nice. Seriously... he is. The relationship evolves and these two throw off more sparks than the 4th of July. Barrett was a panty dropper without a doubt and had Cat purring.
The back and forth was great. The dialogue was over the top. The way they played of each other was the best. I wanted to wake and shake too!
Then like all great stories when one (Fox) of them steps in it and suffers from verbal diarrhea, along with a couple other unmentionable ailments; wow did I ever get whiplash. Cat already dealing with enough and there's Barrett. She did what I would have done. Barrett deserved to simmer in his own juices a little longer than he did. I had a couple WTH moments when I read what he said twice. I told you I read the book twice. Is all well that ends well?
This book is an absolute must read and my favorite book of the series!! Starting with that cover.
Just dive into this one like I did, because it's that good. It deserves far more than 5 stars. It's a keeper.
Insanely great read Jessica!
**arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
May 12, 2018
I loved this book! It’s refreshingly original, laugh-out-loud funny and left me wanting more.
After an injury ends Barrett’s career as a professional football player he takes up a career as a broadcaster until his mouth winds up getting his fired. Now, he’s determined to earn a second chance in broadcasting by garnering some good press by doing a few journalist columns for a local newspaper. Catarina isn’t sure what she did to deserve such a punishment but her boss has informed her that her new assignment is ‘fake’ dating Barrett and writing 5 articles detailing what it’s like dating such a bad-boy. Though the sparks are there Barrett pushes every one of Catarina’s buttons and she doesn’t think she’s going to be able to finish this job – then once she gets to know Barrett better an unlikely friendship emerges and becomes something more.
Barrett’s character is freaking hilarious, though he is also an ass about 80% of the time, I still absolutely loved him. Catarina is the perfect balance for Barrett, where he follows none of the rules and lives a very unstructured life – Catarina is the total opposite. The two butt-heads at every turn making this a very enjoyable and fast paced read. This is the first book I’ve read by Jessica Lemmon but I’m definitely going to be looking for future releases after reading this one!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
After an injury ends Barrett’s career as a professional football player he takes up a career as a broadcaster until his mouth winds up getting his fired. Now, he’s determined to earn a second chance in broadcasting by garnering some good press by doing a few journalist columns for a local newspaper. Catarina isn’t sure what she did to deserve such a punishment but her boss has informed her that her new assignment is ‘fake’ dating Barrett and writing 5 articles detailing what it’s like dating such a bad-boy. Though the sparks are there Barrett pushes every one of Catarina’s buttons and she doesn’t think she’s going to be able to finish this job – then once she gets to know Barrett better an unlikely friendship emerges and becomes something more.
Barrett’s character is freaking hilarious, though he is also an ass about 80% of the time, I still absolutely loved him. Catarina is the perfect balance for Barrett, where he follows none of the rules and lives a very unstructured life – Catarina is the total opposite. The two butt-heads at every turn making this a very enjoyable and fast paced read. This is the first book I’ve read by Jessica Lemmon but I’m definitely going to be looking for future releases after reading this one!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
March 17, 2018
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rumor Has it was freaking hilarious! I loved this book so freaking much. Barrett and Catarina are basically made for each other. Their love/hate relationship was the best thing known to man because it's so freaking relatable! Oh god, I want a relationship like theirs!
Okay, so Catarina is a journalist for a newspaper and she is paired up with Barrett for like a dating segment or whatever it's called. While Barrett was known to be a player on and off the field, since he was an ex NFL footballer, well.. he's also known for demeaning women left and right. So, yeah.. homeboy needs a new image stat! Together they will either have the time of their lives or go home empty handed and in a terrible mood after their "fake date".
Now Catarina isn't necessarily single when she goes on this "date" but then again I didn't even care - yeah, not sorry North! God, I shipped the hell out of C&B. Their chemistry was AHHMAZING! Plus, individually their personalities were so on point which made me love them even more. Barrett was hilarious and sweet - not to mention hot. Catarina was smart, sexy, and super serious. I loved them so much that I wish they were real!!
Overall, loved this book. Love the story. LOVED THE HAPPY ENDING! I can't wait to dive into more books written by Jessica!!
Rumor Has it was freaking hilarious! I loved this book so freaking much. Barrett and Catarina are basically made for each other. Their love/hate relationship was the best thing known to man because it's so freaking relatable! Oh god, I want a relationship like theirs!
Okay, so Catarina is a journalist for a newspaper and she is paired up with Barrett for like a dating segment or whatever it's called. While Barrett was known to be a player on and off the field, since he was an ex NFL footballer, well.. he's also known for demeaning women left and right. So, yeah.. homeboy needs a new image stat! Together they will either have the time of their lives or go home empty handed and in a terrible mood after their "fake date".
Now Catarina isn't necessarily single when she goes on this "date" but then again I didn't even care - yeah, not sorry North! God, I shipped the hell out of C&B. Their chemistry was AHHMAZING! Plus, individually their personalities were so on point which made me love them even more. Barrett was hilarious and sweet - not to mention hot. Catarina was smart, sexy, and super serious. I loved them so much that I wish they were real!!
Overall, loved this book. Love the story. LOVED THE HAPPY ENDING! I can't wait to dive into more books written by Jessica!!
May 14, 2018
Rumor Has It by Jessica Lemmon is the fourth installment of her Real Love Series but it can be read as a complete standalone.
From the very beginning, I enjoyed the wit and banter that was written into the story. Not only between Barrett and Caterina but just their own individual inner dialogue as well.
"Who knew my boss had a sexual bone in her boyd? I thought she was made of steel beams and asbestos."
I don't know why but that line cracked me up so hard. I couldn't stop laughing and even when I went back to look at my highlights, it stuck out and had me laughing again.
As mentioned before, I just love the banter. Barrett and Caterina could battle out with the best of them and it only built on their sexual tension. One minute they wanted to claw each others eyes out and the next they wanted their hands all over the other. It made for a great build up with they finally do realize that they belong together.
Rumor Has It delivers just the right amount of sass, sexuality and conflict that will keep you engaged from start to finish. If you are looking for sweet, fun and swagger, then this is the book for you!
From the very beginning, I enjoyed the wit and banter that was written into the story. Not only between Barrett and Caterina but just their own individual inner dialogue as well.
"Who knew my boss had a sexual bone in her boyd? I thought she was made of steel beams and asbestos."
I don't know why but that line cracked me up so hard. I couldn't stop laughing and even when I went back to look at my highlights, it stuck out and had me laughing again.
As mentioned before, I just love the banter. Barrett and Caterina could battle out with the best of them and it only built on their sexual tension. One minute they wanted to claw each others eyes out and the next they wanted their hands all over the other. It made for a great build up with they finally do realize that they belong together.
Rumor Has It delivers just the right amount of sass, sexuality and conflict that will keep you engaged from start to finish. If you are looking for sweet, fun and swagger, then this is the book for you!
March 21, 2018
Perfection does not exist. It's a human trait to gloss over the flaws, never seeing what's really there. Jessica Lemmon never does that. She keeps it real. With oodles of humor and exceptional characters, she makes the hard moments bearable for the characters she creates and the readers she enchants. Catrina and Barrett are colleagues with a love - hate relationship. He loves to push her buttons. She hates the way he makes her feel. He hates her uptight attitude. She loves to put him in his place. Rumor Has It takes us beyond the verbal banter and sexual intensity. The first person narrative allows us into the soul of the characters. What begins as a battle of wills becomes an empathetic look at what it means to be human. Something we all can relate to.
May 16, 2018
Rumor Has It by Jessica Lemmon was a very enjoyable enemies to lovers story that was fun to read. It was funny, sweet and charming read with great characters!
Barrett Fox’s NFL career ended after an injury sidelined him. He jumped back by becoming a sport broadcaster, which ended when he made some very inappropriate comments that were caught on his mic. Seemed he is out for the count, right? Not this guy. He has the opportunity for to change his image and he is ready to jump on the chance.
Catarina Everhart is driven and smart. She takes her career seriously and is ready to do what is needed to get the job done. But when her boss suggests some “dates” with Barrett she can write about, she is anything but enthusiastic.
The last thing Catarina wants is to fake-date Barrett, but when forced by her boss, she finds herself not wanting to like the arrogant ex-jock. Barrett is used to women falling all over him. But Catarina has no time for him, even if their chemistry is explosive! I loved the banter between Catarina and Barrett.
The more time Catarina spends with Barrett, the more she sees different sides to him than what is portrayed publicly. Can they find a way passed their differences and find love? I enjoyed Rumor Has It by Jessica Lemmon. The story was captivating and engaging and had me both laughing and swooning!
Happy reading!
Barrett Fox’s NFL career ended after an injury sidelined him. He jumped back by becoming a sport broadcaster, which ended when he made some very inappropriate comments that were caught on his mic. Seemed he is out for the count, right? Not this guy. He has the opportunity for to change his image and he is ready to jump on the chance.
Catarina Everhart is driven and smart. She takes her career seriously and is ready to do what is needed to get the job done. But when her boss suggests some “dates” with Barrett she can write about, she is anything but enthusiastic.
The last thing Catarina wants is to fake-date Barrett, but when forced by her boss, she finds herself not wanting to like the arrogant ex-jock. Barrett is used to women falling all over him. But Catarina has no time for him, even if their chemistry is explosive! I loved the banter between Catarina and Barrett.
The more time Catarina spends with Barrett, the more she sees different sides to him than what is portrayed publicly. Can they find a way passed their differences and find love? I enjoyed Rumor Has It by Jessica Lemmon. The story was captivating and engaging and had me both laughing and swooning!
Happy reading!
February 6, 2018
4.75 stars
I LOVED this book so much! It was just what I needed! I laughed so hard! I love romantic comedies and this one was one of the best I have read!
Barrett, a former pro football star is now trying his hand as a reporter. He is working on a story called "Dating a Bad Boy", him be4ing the bad boy. He is cowriting the story with Catarina. She is the exact opposite of Barrett. That is what makes this one great! Opposites attract, but also make for a fantastic love story!!
I could not put this one down. It is, hands down, one of the best books I have read this year!
I LOVED this book so much! It was just what I needed! I laughed so hard! I love romantic comedies and this one was one of the best I have read!
Barrett, a former pro football star is now trying his hand as a reporter. He is working on a story called "Dating a Bad Boy", him be4ing the bad boy. He is cowriting the story with Catarina. She is the exact opposite of Barrett. That is what makes this one great! Opposites attract, but also make for a fantastic love story!!
I could not put this one down. It is, hands down, one of the best books I have read this year!
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