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Kindred #1
Missing Piece: Kindred #1
Tillie
Starting college is supposed to be fun. Exciting. Instead I’ve ended up living across the street from Johnny. Star footballer, charmer, intelligent. Perfect, right? Wrong! I have no intention of being this line-backer’s latest conquest. Staying far away from him is my only choice. Even if every little thing he does makes me swoon. Johnny Baker is bad news for any girl. He’s a player and no girl will change that. Only he wasn’t. He began to capture my attention more and more until all I thought of was him.
He was my missing piece…
Johnny
Being the line-backer is easy. Especially when it gets me a different girl in my bed every night. That’s exactly what Tillie was supposed to be. Just another conquest. Wham and bam! She would be easy. I had never been with an art geek before but every other female fell at my feet or more accurately into my bed. Only she didn’t. Tillie Jacobs came into my world and blew it apart. Every little thing she did; every laugh, every moment… she possessed me.
She was my missing piece…
Starting college is supposed to be fun. Exciting. Instead I’ve ended up living across the street from Johnny. Star footballer, charmer, intelligent. Perfect, right? Wrong! I have no intention of being this line-backer’s latest conquest. Staying far away from him is my only choice. Even if every little thing he does makes me swoon. Johnny Baker is bad news for any girl. He’s a player and no girl will change that. Only he wasn’t. He began to capture my attention more and more until all I thought of was him.
He was my missing piece…
Johnny
Being the line-backer is easy. Especially when it gets me a different girl in my bed every night. That’s exactly what Tillie was supposed to be. Just another conquest. Wham and bam! She would be easy. I had never been with an art geek before but every other female fell at my feet or more accurately into my bed. Only she didn’t. Tillie Jacobs came into my world and blew it apart. Every little thing she did; every laugh, every moment… she possessed me.
She was my missing piece…
234 pages, ebook
Published January 19, 2018
16 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Lizzie James
46 books324 followersLizzie James is a USAT Bestselling Author that lives in the valleys of South Wales, UK with her family.
Working full time for her local authority keeps her busy but her free time is spent in her favourite pursuits of writing, reading, listening to music and travelling.
She is passionate about her writing and cooperatively works with a team of authors to support her fellow indie authors.
She writes contemporary romance and MM romances. Don't ask her to pick a favourite genre because she will read anything.
Working full time for her local authority keeps her busy but her free time is spent in her favourite pursuits of writing, reading, listening to music and travelling.
She is passionate about her writing and cooperatively works with a team of authors to support her fellow indie authors.
She writes contemporary romance and MM romances. Don't ask her to pick a favourite genre because she will read anything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 26, 2019
A college story with a difference. Tillie makes a mistake when filling in her college application. Luckily for her the football team have it under control. She moves in with Joy. A lady who needs a little help around the house and across the road from the football team.
Tillie is an art student and not the sorority type. Johnny is on the football team but ready to get serious. Tillie catches his eye and he wants to know more.
This is their story. The footballer and the art student. This is a sweet romance with a few stereotypes. It has a wicked twist of events and a happy ever after.
Tillie is an art student and not the sorority type. Johnny is on the football team but ready to get serious. Tillie catches his eye and he wants to know more.
This is their story. The footballer and the art student. This is a sweet romance with a few stereotypes. It has a wicked twist of events and a happy ever after.
Want to read
May 26, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/26/2020)! 🎁
June 3, 2022
I came across this and thought it sounded exactly like my kind of book and it was on KU so I jumped on it. This is the first book I have read from this author and I found I liked the storyline, however I just really couldn't connect with her writing style and there were a lot of things that drove me to distraction so I will probably be giving the next book in the series a miss. Although I'm a little sad about that since I did like some of the characters and theres a few things I am wondering about but with so many books on my TBR you never know.
January 13, 2018
A completely different direction for Lizzie James with Missing Piece.
This Young Adult genre book, though a little hotter than the genre implies, was sweet, sexy and a complete surprise.
Lizzie’s characters are complex but very lovable and Tillie is everything a heroine should be. She’s an arts student in college who unfortunately has missed out on her accommodation for the new school year but when the school jock takes pity on the plain Jane nerd, he brings her into a whole different “family”.
Johnnie is the star football jock with every pretty girl vying for his affections but he’s only got eyes for the sweet little one who’s now living across the street. With his fellow jocks, they take sweet Tillie under their wing and into their hearts but Johnnie is the one who Tillie falls for.
Definitely a sweet story but with enough heat to keep you reading through to the very tumultuous end.
This Young Adult genre book, though a little hotter than the genre implies, was sweet, sexy and a complete surprise.
Lizzie’s characters are complex but very lovable and Tillie is everything a heroine should be. She’s an arts student in college who unfortunately has missed out on her accommodation for the new school year but when the school jock takes pity on the plain Jane nerd, he brings her into a whole different “family”.
Johnnie is the star football jock with every pretty girl vying for his affections but he’s only got eyes for the sweet little one who’s now living across the street. With his fellow jocks, they take sweet Tillie under their wing and into their hearts but Johnnie is the one who Tillie falls for.
Definitely a sweet story but with enough heat to keep you reading through to the very tumultuous end.
January 20, 2018
What a sweet book!
When we first met Tillie I was convinced she was going to be caught up in some kind of strange love triangle where best friends fought for the girl... but the author did a brilliant job of surprising me and delivering something so much more!
Johnny wasn't just a two dimensional jock... he was real. He battled his own demons, and shouldered everyone else's when he needed to. He was the kind of sweet boy who helped the little old lady across the street with her gardening but at the same time he could turn on the charm and sweep and innocent girl like Tillie completely off her feet!
For me, the minor characters in this book have their own stories to tell and I for one hope we see more of them!
When we first met Tillie I was convinced she was going to be caught up in some kind of strange love triangle where best friends fought for the girl... but the author did a brilliant job of surprising me and delivering something so much more!
Johnny wasn't just a two dimensional jock... he was real. He battled his own demons, and shouldered everyone else's when he needed to. He was the kind of sweet boy who helped the little old lady across the street with her gardening but at the same time he could turn on the charm and sweep and innocent girl like Tillie completely off her feet!
For me, the minor characters in this book have their own stories to tell and I for one hope we see more of them!
January 17, 2018
I liked but didn't fall in love with this book. I really like the cast of characters. The guys and Joy become a family for Tillie which is amazing. But it really comes down to Johnny and Tillie. They are both good people and I like the chemistry and romance between them. I guess in the end it just doesn't stand out for me among the young adult nerd/football stories. It was a sweet story with some twists and turns that keeps the story interesting until the end though.
REVIEW BY CATHY
REVIEW BY CATHY
September 28, 2019
It wasn’t like anyone met the love of their life in college. Right?
It’s a big step leaving home, feeling independent and the first steps in your future...going to College! Where you will have to embrace the full college experience. Well, aside from your classes that is...partying, making friends with lasting bonds, arch enemies... and maybe, just maybe...your true love?
Tillie Jacobs is starting her first year of college and is a very talented artist. Unfortunately, due to a mishap Tillie is stuck for somewhere to live, that is until her saving grace guides her toward an elderly lady Joy. The similarities between High School and College aren’t that much different, everyone sitting together in their ‘clicks’ and over by the football table there’s one guy who seem glued on Tillie. But Tillie doesn’t want to get involved with the drama and doesn’t need some self centred jerk to mess things up for her.
“This could be everything-to the both of us. I’m willing to try if you are.”
With every turn Johnny is there and even when Tillie closes her eyes at night, it doesn’t really help matters when he lives across the street with his friends. Tillie wants to be more than just the winning trophy that Johnny can show off and then put on the shelf to gather dust.
Art was all I knew and letting someone in, offering myself up to love someone as much as I loved art, was scary and I was destined to fail at that.
Will Tillie give Johnny a chance to catch her heart? Will Johnny become more than just the cocky jock across the road? Tillie knows that she must be careful, but she can’t deny her feelings towards Johnny are growing and with every touch is only making her need him in more ways than one.
Ever since the night before, every time his lips had touched me, they had sent a direct signal to my core, almost as if it remembered exactly what Johnny could do to my body.
Being one of the star footballers, knowing the team had his back including his younger brother and with cheerleaders picking up their pom poms from his bedroom floor, life for Johnny Baker was going great. Yet...there was still something missing even if Johnny didn’t know it, that is until one girl moves in across the street.
“Fuck, baby...Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you want to eat me up.”
With one meeting Johnny knows that he’s normal moves won’t work on Tillie. As Johnny starts to spend time with Tillie though he soon realises that there is more to Tillie than meets the eye. Someone however, is about to burst the bubble on this blossoming friendship (that could become more). Lies have a way of catching up with you and hurting those closest to you and Johnny must find a way through the storm.
I had never been put first like that-never had someone focus so much attention on me before. I wanted to make him feel as special as he had made me feel.
Tillie & Johnny…<3 What a sweetheart couple! I loved these two. Tillie is bubbly, loving and a true friend to those she considers family. Tillie doesn’t understand why she can’t control her feelings towards Johnny but knows that for the first time she wants more...Johnny wants everything with Tillie, which is something he never thought would be possible.
Have they found their missing pieces or will they break apart before the picture can be framed?
She was perfect for me. Perfect to me. I didn’t want to mess that up.
This was a beautiful story with lots of new beginnings. Heartfelt characters that will stay with you, the connections between all of the characters makes you truly believe that they are family-chaos family at times and you want to knock their heads together! With touching moments and Lizzie still throws in the odd twist!
Just when you think everything is blooming into the perfect flower there’s a weed that still manages to come up through the cracks.
It’s a big step leaving home, feeling independent and the first steps in your future...going to College! Where you will have to embrace the full college experience. Well, aside from your classes that is...partying, making friends with lasting bonds, arch enemies... and maybe, just maybe...your true love?
Tillie Jacobs is starting her first year of college and is a very talented artist. Unfortunately, due to a mishap Tillie is stuck for somewhere to live, that is until her saving grace guides her toward an elderly lady Joy. The similarities between High School and College aren’t that much different, everyone sitting together in their ‘clicks’ and over by the football table there’s one guy who seem glued on Tillie. But Tillie doesn’t want to get involved with the drama and doesn’t need some self centred jerk to mess things up for her.
“This could be everything-to the both of us. I’m willing to try if you are.”
With every turn Johnny is there and even when Tillie closes her eyes at night, it doesn’t really help matters when he lives across the street with his friends. Tillie wants to be more than just the winning trophy that Johnny can show off and then put on the shelf to gather dust.
Art was all I knew and letting someone in, offering myself up to love someone as much as I loved art, was scary and I was destined to fail at that.
Will Tillie give Johnny a chance to catch her heart? Will Johnny become more than just the cocky jock across the road? Tillie knows that she must be careful, but she can’t deny her feelings towards Johnny are growing and with every touch is only making her need him in more ways than one.
Ever since the night before, every time his lips had touched me, they had sent a direct signal to my core, almost as if it remembered exactly what Johnny could do to my body.
Being one of the star footballers, knowing the team had his back including his younger brother and with cheerleaders picking up their pom poms from his bedroom floor, life for Johnny Baker was going great. Yet...there was still something missing even if Johnny didn’t know it, that is until one girl moves in across the street.
“Fuck, baby...Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you want to eat me up.”
With one meeting Johnny knows that he’s normal moves won’t work on Tillie. As Johnny starts to spend time with Tillie though he soon realises that there is more to Tillie than meets the eye. Someone however, is about to burst the bubble on this blossoming friendship (that could become more). Lies have a way of catching up with you and hurting those closest to you and Johnny must find a way through the storm.
I had never been put first like that-never had someone focus so much attention on me before. I wanted to make him feel as special as he had made me feel.
Tillie & Johnny…<3 What a sweetheart couple! I loved these two. Tillie is bubbly, loving and a true friend to those she considers family. Tillie doesn’t understand why she can’t control her feelings towards Johnny but knows that for the first time she wants more...Johnny wants everything with Tillie, which is something he never thought would be possible.
Have they found their missing pieces or will they break apart before the picture can be framed?
She was perfect for me. Perfect to me. I didn’t want to mess that up.
This was a beautiful story with lots of new beginnings. Heartfelt characters that will stay with you, the connections between all of the characters makes you truly believe that they are family-chaos family at times and you want to knock their heads together! With touching moments and Lizzie still throws in the odd twist!
Just when you think everything is blooming into the perfect flower there’s a weed that still manages to come up through the cracks.
January 16, 2018
Reviewed on behalf of 2 Girls Who Love Books Blog
This is the first book I’ve read by Lizzie James and I really enjoyed it!
The book is a collage romance mixed in with a sports romance. I really liked how the characters all interacted with each other and made you feel that you were there with them experiencing college alongside them.
Tillie is so sweet but also quite innocent and because of this you see her grow throughout the book having said that she does have such a strength inside her that makes her determined when she puts her mind to something. I loved her friendship with Sammy and how they connected quickly and how she was able to get him to open up about what was bothering him.
Johnny is your typical football jock player but when he meets Tillie you can see him change to someone that is patient and willing to wait until Tillie is ready to take their relationship further. Johnny is also someone that will do anything for his friends and family and this is really shown with his relationship with Joy. I loved how kind and sweet he was to her and how even if he could be a jerk to others he always had time for her.
I loved the side characters too and hope that they all get their own book as would love to see how the love triangle that’s shaping plays out and who will get the girl!
This is the first book I’ve read by Lizzie James and I really enjoyed it!
The book is a collage romance mixed in with a sports romance. I really liked how the characters all interacted with each other and made you feel that you were there with them experiencing college alongside them.
Tillie is so sweet but also quite innocent and because of this you see her grow throughout the book having said that she does have such a strength inside her that makes her determined when she puts her mind to something. I loved her friendship with Sammy and how they connected quickly and how she was able to get him to open up about what was bothering him.
Johnny is your typical football jock player but when he meets Tillie you can see him change to someone that is patient and willing to wait until Tillie is ready to take their relationship further. Johnny is also someone that will do anything for his friends and family and this is really shown with his relationship with Joy. I loved how kind and sweet he was to her and how even if he could be a jerk to others he always had time for her.
I loved the side characters too and hope that they all get their own book as would love to see how the love triangle that’s shaping plays out and who will get the girl!
March 23, 2020
3.5 Stars
This was a cute, sweet college romance of opposites attract. Tillie is in her first year of college. She is an art student with an issue with her living situation. She is really sweet, a bit naive, and has a hidden strength in her. She comes to college pretty innocent and makes friends with the football house across the street. I liked in the beginning of the leads you to believe the love interest is someone else but you are pleasantly surprised. Then you have Johnny, he is not your typical jock. Johnny is a player, but he is sweet and has a big heart and care about those that are near and dear to him.Johnny and Tillie are complete opposites and a very unlikely pair but there is not denying the chemistry between the two. The two helped each other to mature and they grew into their relationship. The story mad you curious of the supporting characters which is good because this is the first in the series. If you are looking for a sweet college romance this is your book
~Alexis💜
This was a cute, sweet college romance of opposites attract. Tillie is in her first year of college. She is an art student with an issue with her living situation. She is really sweet, a bit naive, and has a hidden strength in her. She comes to college pretty innocent and makes friends with the football house across the street. I liked in the beginning of the leads you to believe the love interest is someone else but you are pleasantly surprised. Then you have Johnny, he is not your typical jock. Johnny is a player, but he is sweet and has a big heart and care about those that are near and dear to him.Johnny and Tillie are complete opposites and a very unlikely pair but there is not denying the chemistry between the two. The two helped each other to mature and they grew into their relationship. The story mad you curious of the supporting characters which is good because this is the first in the series. If you are looking for a sweet college romance this is your book
~Alexis💜
January 15, 2018
This was a sweet college romance. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. The situations they found themselves in were mostly common for young people in college, except for one major scene. This scene only served to enhance the story, not distract from it, though.
Tillie was sweet and a bit naive, but she had an inner strength to her. Her innocence was endearing, and I enjoyed watching her grow as an independent person.
I was so afraid Johnny was going to be your typical jock who had a thing for innocent girls. But he was definitely much more. Yes, he was a reformed player, but he did not have to make too great a change to become the awesome man for Tillie.
I love the side characters of Joy, Sammy, Bex Logan and Chunk, And hope they each get their own books and own chance at love.
I’ve read other Lizzie James books, and I have to say, this one is by far my favorite. Her writing style in this one seemed relaxed and natural.
Tillie was sweet and a bit naive, but she had an inner strength to her. Her innocence was endearing, and I enjoyed watching her grow as an independent person.
I was so afraid Johnny was going to be your typical jock who had a thing for innocent girls. But he was definitely much more. Yes, he was a reformed player, but he did not have to make too great a change to become the awesome man for Tillie.
I love the side characters of Joy, Sammy, Bex Logan and Chunk, And hope they each get their own books and own chance at love.
I’ve read other Lizzie James books, and I have to say, this one is by far my favorite. Her writing style in this one seemed relaxed and natural.
January 15, 2018
This is my first book by Lizzie James, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Sports Romance novels are my favourite genre, and even though I prefer hockey stories, football comes a very close second.
There is a little bit of on field action in this book, but the story is basically about a freshman (Tillie) who is quiet and reserved, yet every one she meets ends up loving her. This is definitely the case for Johnny. He doesn't shy away from his name being thrown about as a player, he is almost proud of it. But all that changes when he meets Tillie. It makes him realise he wasn't his best self acting the way he did, and that Tillie was what he was unknowingly waiting for.
This is a great story, and I hope we are bale to read future books about Logan, Chunk & Sammy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
There is a little bit of on field action in this book, but the story is basically about a freshman (Tillie) who is quiet and reserved, yet every one she meets ends up loving her. This is definitely the case for Johnny. He doesn't shy away from his name being thrown about as a player, he is almost proud of it. But all that changes when he meets Tillie. It makes him realise he wasn't his best self acting the way he did, and that Tillie was what he was unknowingly waiting for.
This is a great story, and I hope we are bale to read future books about Logan, Chunk & Sammy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
January 16, 2018
This is my first Lizzie James book and I was a little surpried that it was a Young adult book, it was a little hotter than expected but a grest book nonetheless.
I liked Tillie's naivety and innocence even though she was a college student. Her self confessed 'geeky' side was endearing.
I was glad Johnny wasn't your typical college jock anda softer side was shown with all the team character especially when with Joy, it was a really nice touch.
All the other characters gave plenty to the plot and I hope to read more individually about them.
The twist in the book was unexpected and gave it a great edge.
I read this book on behalf of 3 degrees of fiction in return for an honest review.
I liked Tillie's naivety and innocence even though she was a college student. Her self confessed 'geeky' side was endearing.
I was glad Johnny wasn't your typical college jock anda softer side was shown with all the team character especially when with Joy, it was a really nice touch.
All the other characters gave plenty to the plot and I hope to read more individually about them.
The twist in the book was unexpected and gave it a great edge.
I read this book on behalf of 3 degrees of fiction in return for an honest review.
January 18, 2018
Missing Piece
By Lizzie James
5 stars!
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
I don’t know how I haven’t read anything by this author before but this book will not be the last! I am huge fan of sports romance stories and YA ones too – although I did love that it was still a little on the spicy side!! The book was really well written and kept my interest throughout! The whole thing just flowed so well and was easy to read.
I really loved Tillie and Johnny and whilst I guess their experiences were ‘typical’ for the college age I still enjoyed reading about them. I think that Johnny was a surprise for me, yes he was the jock but there was also something more to him! I think Tillie brought out the best in him!!
I really hope that there is more to come in this series and I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
By Lizzie James
5 stars!
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
I don’t know how I haven’t read anything by this author before but this book will not be the last! I am huge fan of sports romance stories and YA ones too – although I did love that it was still a little on the spicy side!! The book was really well written and kept my interest throughout! The whole thing just flowed so well and was easy to read.
I really loved Tillie and Johnny and whilst I guess their experiences were ‘typical’ for the college age I still enjoyed reading about them. I think that Johnny was a surprise for me, yes he was the jock but there was also something more to him! I think Tillie brought out the best in him!!
I really hope that there is more to come in this series and I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
January 15, 2018
What a lovely read!!
Classic tale of a college romance with plenty of ups and downs!
I did find it to be a little generic to other books of the same genre but I love reading them so if college romances are your thing you will love this!
My only critic would be during Lucy’s attack it’s just very sudden and I think a few more hints towards her craziness would be beneficial maybe a scene involving Lucy warning Tillie he is her man and she should back away?? Other than that I really enjoyed the story of how they met, how Tillie gets so close with Joy, Tillie and Johnny’s chemistry!!
Great read!!
Classic tale of a college romance with plenty of ups and downs!
I did find it to be a little generic to other books of the same genre but I love reading them so if college romances are your thing you will love this!
My only critic would be during Lucy’s attack it’s just very sudden and I think a few more hints towards her craziness would be beneficial maybe a scene involving Lucy warning Tillie he is her man and she should back away?? Other than that I really enjoyed the story of how they met, how Tillie gets so close with Joy, Tillie and Johnny’s chemistry!!
Great read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2018
Im not usually one to read about college people. But when i read the blurb i was so enticed i wanted to read this.
And boy i was not disappointed! It overwhelmed me in such a good way i couldnt even write my review ar first as i didnt feel the words would do this justice!
I loved all the characters and felt connected from the start! I hope there to be so much more from this series so i can about all the characters!
An easy 5*
And boy i was not disappointed! It overwhelmed me in such a good way i couldnt even write my review ar first as i didnt feel the words would do this justice!
I loved all the characters and felt connected from the start! I hope there to be so much more from this series so i can about all the characters!
An easy 5*
January 17, 2018
What a great start to a series. Can't wait to read more about this group of people.
Tillie is a young girl who is trying to get the hang of college and being away from home. Johnny is the star athlete with the weight of the team on his shoulders. The two seem like opposites but you know what they say, opposites attract. Will they be able to weather the storm or be torn apart?
This was a refreshing read. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more!
Tillie is a young girl who is trying to get the hang of college and being away from home. Johnny is the star athlete with the weight of the team on his shoulders. The two seem like opposites but you know what they say, opposites attract. Will they be able to weather the storm or be torn apart?
This was a refreshing read. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more!
May 25, 2018
This is sweet college romance...
....when the player meets a nerdy art student and falls hard!!!
Love their interactions, banter, and the pursuit!!!
...the secondary characters, are just entertaining!
Enjoyable read... enduring, swooning, and steam!
....when the player meets a nerdy art student and falls hard!!!
Love their interactions, banter, and the pursuit!!!
...the secondary characters, are just entertaining!
Enjoyable read... enduring, swooning, and steam!
January 16, 2018
Johnny is your all star football player and a player he is, girls come to him and for him but when Tillie enters and doesn't fall to his feet, Johnny has met his match with her sassy attitude and firery mouth but she's roped him, he wants more than just a one night but proving that won't be easy. Tillie knows what guys like Johnny want and she's not like that but he's different,a lot different and that makes staying away harder. Loved it
January 3, 2018
What an amazing book. I love Johnny and Tillie. I fell I love with all the characters in this book. I absolutely hated Lucy though.
May 8, 2018
I adored reading this book. Fell in love with the characters instantly and the storyline was incredible. I cannot get enough of this author's writing and this book was the missing piece in my life I wasn't aware needed filling. Absolutely outstanding work!!
July 7, 2018
Good!
Not only was this the first book that I've read by Lizzie James, it's the first YA college romance I've read in such a long time. However, I haven't been disappointed. I've loved Missing Piece. I've loved the story, the characters, the setting...It was perfect. I can't wait to go onto book 2. Each character in this series was addictive and I can't wait to read their stories.
Not only was this the first book that I've read by Lizzie James, it's the first YA college romance I've read in such a long time. However, I haven't been disappointed. I've loved Missing Piece. I've loved the story, the characters, the setting...It was perfect. I can't wait to go onto book 2. Each character in this series was addictive and I can't wait to read their stories.
February 9, 2018
"This is my first book by Lizzie James, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Sports Romance books are my favourite genre, and even though I prefer hockey stories, football comes a very close second.
There is a little bit of on field action in this book, but the story is basically about a freshman (Tillie) who is quiet and reserved, yet every one she meets ends up loving her. This is definitely the case for Johnny. He doesn't shy away from his name being thrown about as a player, he is almost proud of it. But all that changes when he meets Tillie. It makes him realise he wasn't his best self acting the way he did, and that Tillie was what he was unknowingly waiting for.
This is a great story, and I hope we are able to read future books about Logan, Chunk and Sammy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book."
There is a little bit of on field action in this book, but the story is basically about a freshman (Tillie) who is quiet and reserved, yet every one she meets ends up loving her. This is definitely the case for Johnny. He doesn't shy away from his name being thrown about as a player, he is almost proud of it. But all that changes when he meets Tillie. It makes him realise he wasn't his best self acting the way he did, and that Tillie was what he was unknowingly waiting for.
This is a great story, and I hope we are able to read future books about Logan, Chunk and Sammy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book."
April 3, 2018
This is a first love college romance. Tillie is a freshman and found herself with nowhere to live once she got on campus because she did not check the box for housing. However she literally runs into Logan (breath taking beautiful) who knows of an available room conveniently across the street from him. So now she is living across the street from the party house. One day at lunch she is with a new friend and spots Logan with some other guys one of these guys turns and looks at her and he is more beautiful than Logan. Turns out the guys she sees are all on the football team and she eventually finds out that these other guys live across the street from her as well . I don’t want to spoil anymore if the story other than Tillie is a art student with her own style and is still a virgin. So get the book to find out how this story ends.
January 30, 2018
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This is such a sweet college love story about the star football player and the smart art geek. The story and characters were complex and I really enjoyed this book. This was my first book by this author but I know it won't be my last. Good read that has heat and a riveting story that will keep you enthralled until the end.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This is a great book and I know it’s the beginning of a wonderful series and I can’t wait to read them all.
~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This is such a sweet college love story about the star football player and the smart art geek. The story and characters were complex and I really enjoyed this book. This was my first book by this author but I know it won't be my last. Good read that has heat and a riveting story that will keep you enthralled until the end.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This is a great book and I know it’s the beginning of a wonderful series and I can’t wait to read them all.
February 11, 2018
Tillie, Johnny, Logan, Sammy, Bex & Joy!!! You will totally fall in love with them! Tillie is so sweet that I felt like she was a little child needing big hugs. Johnny will have you wrapped up into him😭.
I can’t wait to hear Logan’s story & Bex! She’s going to be a little spitfire!
I can’t wait to hear Logan’s story & Bex! She’s going to be a little spitfire!
April 4, 2018
Great book! Love it!
December 25, 2021
Mixed opinion on this one. Usually in cases like this, I split the difference at 3 stars. Here, I was so frustrated by the point I didn't like that I have to put it at a low 2.
The story itself is nothing new. Tillie (h) is a freshman art student, who messed up her housing paperwork and is facing the start of university with no room. Thankfully, a football player overhears her dilemma and connects with with his neighbor, who has a spare room. One of his roommates - the BMOC and another player on the team - is Johnny (H), who falls for her at first sight. There's the requisite amount of shyness and emotional baggage on her part, his man-whoring past and crazy Mean Girl ex, inexplicable insta-love, some character growth before eventual devotion and HEA... all the usual bits and pieces in a college football romance.
Overall, it was enjoyable but highly formulaic. But it's one of my favorite formulas, so I'll roll with a lot. There were definitely some sweet moments, and I liked seeing Tillie grow in her friendships as much as with her romance.
Some minor frustrations with pacing, and with some reactions that seemed to have no basis/foundation given. I wish we'd seen more of what made Tillie special to Johnny, to start with. As it was, it was pretty insta-love without much basis. Insta-lust, I suppose, though he's very patient in pursuing her. There just never seemed to be much to draw his attention. Or when Tillie is finding out she has no housing (completely her own fault, BTW), she doesn't want to live in a sorority house because 'they're all sluts.' Pretty strong reaction that Tillie has no real basis for. But, we also learn Tillie has some serious sexual issues and makes the "slut" assumption quickly - pretty much every time she talked about the cheerleaders, for example, there was some 'slut' comment. Or when she finally sleeps with her own boyfriend whom she's been dating for a month or two at this point - she "gave it up like a stupid slut". This is talking about being with her own boyfriend! Or her classes - she is an art major, draws passionately, but talks so much about the assigned coursework she hates. Not bored with, not uninterested, not untalented at - hates. She just had a number of assumptions and emotional reactions that seemed a little strong and without reason. And all of this is not even touching on Lucy's bizarre escalation.
So what irked me so badly that this was barely 2 stars? Basically, write what you know or do your freakin' research!!
Holy cow, if you're writing a college football romance, please do your research!!! It's such a common subgenre, that it is extra jarring when the author isn't as familiar. And I'm saying this as not-a-football-fan!! In short, this author obviously knew almost nothing about American football and nearly as little about American universities. (And through the course of this grumping, I'm assuming that it's set in the US - though the setting was incredibly vague, one can assume is in the US, as "football towns" for American football are pretty much only found in the States.) I mean right away - "line-backer"? I've never seen it written hyphenated, always only 'linebacker.' Second, it's a defensive position. Yes, it can be a leadership position, so not arguing that. But for him to be bragging about 'his arm improving' or complaining about 'getting sacked' and 'throwing to the wrong side'... well, linebackers don't throw. Or get sacked - that's what happens when the quarterback is tackled. A linebacker would just be tackled. And then other times he's talking about catching and running the ball in for a touchdown. While a defensive player might have an interception that they run in for a TD, that's not how the scene was described, more like he was a wide receiver. And let's not start on the season beginning in October or how he "had scored twelve more points with a touchdown." 12 points???? These are basic details, not complex plays or involved NCAA team regulations. For anyone with a passing knowledge of football, they grate and pull you out of the story.
And that's not even getting into the British/American issues or the unfamiliarity with American colleges. Tons of British slang used and a few British spellings too. I can understand one character talking about "the goss" or "taking the piss" or having "brekkie" or using "the cooker" or playing on "snooker tables." I can write off one character as an exchange student or some such. But when all the characters are talking that way?
And there are lots of college and college life details too, which I suppose I can be more forgiving about. There are enough universities that they might have different procedures or policies or traditions. But some things would be more universal. Like essays over the winter holiday break? Courses end in Dec before the holidays, so what are they all writing on during the break? Or college parties with paper cups (never have seen one at a college party - red Solo cups every time). So many little details that just stuck out or rubbed the wrong way.
Grammatical editing is needed - a good handful of typos - but also proofreading for consistency. Lots of inconsistencies. Like Logan is introduced as "about two inches taller" than Tillie, but then she's consistently described as tiny and he's referred to as tall and broad. Sammy is a vegetarian at one point, but then 'could live off' pepperoni. Or Johnny takes off his jersey after practice and is immediately bare-chested. Though other things have been painstakingly described in this scene, he doesn't mention his pads underneath his jersey? Or Tillie knows ridiculous levels of nothing about football, even though her dad played and her grandfather coached?? Even if she wasn't a football fan, at least something should have sunk in, especially when she talks about how close she is with her dad. Just lots of little things that didn't flow or stay consistent throughout.
Also, Tillie gasped or moaned about everything. That was her go-to response, and it got old.
Alternating 1st person POV. No cheating, no love triangles, no OM drama. OW drama that escalates unexpectedly. Formulaic nerd-jock romance with some likeable characters. Would have been so much better if the author had either done her research or stuck with sports or settings she actually knew anything about. But to write a college football romance and know practically nothing about American universities or American football? It makes it very hard to stay in the story if you know anything about these subjects at all. There's suspending disbelief, and then there's football where a touchdown is 12 points. Still, no cliffhangers and HEA. And it was a free find on Kindle.
Would I read more in this series? From this author? Probably not. As much as I liked the side characters and would be willing to hear their stories (can see Sammy having a cute MM romance), I am not fond of this writer's style. And I definitely don't think I could take more books with her version of football.
The story itself is nothing new. Tillie (h) is a freshman art student, who messed up her housing paperwork and is facing the start of university with no room. Thankfully, a football player overhears her dilemma and connects with with his neighbor, who has a spare room. One of his roommates - the BMOC and another player on the team - is Johnny (H), who falls for her at first sight. There's the requisite amount of shyness and emotional baggage on her part, his man-whoring past and crazy Mean Girl ex, inexplicable insta-love, some character growth before eventual devotion and HEA... all the usual bits and pieces in a college football romance.
Overall, it was enjoyable but highly formulaic. But it's one of my favorite formulas, so I'll roll with a lot. There were definitely some sweet moments, and I liked seeing Tillie grow in her friendships as much as with her romance.
Some minor frustrations with pacing, and with some reactions that seemed to have no basis/foundation given. I wish we'd seen more of what made Tillie special to Johnny, to start with. As it was, it was pretty insta-love without much basis. Insta-lust, I suppose, though he's very patient in pursuing her. There just never seemed to be much to draw his attention. Or when Tillie is finding out she has no housing (completely her own fault, BTW), she doesn't want to live in a sorority house because 'they're all sluts.' Pretty strong reaction that Tillie has no real basis for. But, we also learn Tillie has some serious sexual issues and makes the "slut" assumption quickly - pretty much every time she talked about the cheerleaders, for example, there was some 'slut' comment. Or when she finally sleeps with her own boyfriend whom she's been dating for a month or two at this point - she "gave it up like a stupid slut". This is talking about being with her own boyfriend! Or her classes - she is an art major, draws passionately, but talks so much about the assigned coursework she hates. Not bored with, not uninterested, not untalented at - hates. She just had a number of assumptions and emotional reactions that seemed a little strong and without reason. And all of this is not even touching on Lucy's bizarre escalation.
So what irked me so badly that this was barely 2 stars? Basically, write what you know or do your freakin' research!!
Holy cow, if you're writing a college football romance, please do your research!!! It's such a common subgenre, that it is extra jarring when the author isn't as familiar. And I'm saying this as not-a-football-fan!! In short, this author obviously knew almost nothing about American football and nearly as little about American universities. (And through the course of this grumping, I'm assuming that it's set in the US - though the setting was incredibly vague, one can assume is in the US, as "football towns" for American football are pretty much only found in the States.) I mean right away - "line-backer"? I've never seen it written hyphenated, always only 'linebacker.' Second, it's a defensive position. Yes, it can be a leadership position, so not arguing that. But for him to be bragging about 'his arm improving' or complaining about 'getting sacked' and 'throwing to the wrong side'... well, linebackers don't throw. Or get sacked - that's what happens when the quarterback is tackled. A linebacker would just be tackled. And then other times he's talking about catching and running the ball in for a touchdown. While a defensive player might have an interception that they run in for a TD, that's not how the scene was described, more like he was a wide receiver. And let's not start on the season beginning in October or how he "had scored twelve more points with a touchdown." 12 points???? These are basic details, not complex plays or involved NCAA team regulations. For anyone with a passing knowledge of football, they grate and pull you out of the story.
And that's not even getting into the British/American issues or the unfamiliarity with American colleges. Tons of British slang used and a few British spellings too. I can understand one character talking about "the goss" or "taking the piss" or having "brekkie" or using "the cooker" or playing on "snooker tables." I can write off one character as an exchange student or some such. But when all the characters are talking that way?
And there are lots of college and college life details too, which I suppose I can be more forgiving about. There are enough universities that they might have different procedures or policies or traditions. But some things would be more universal. Like essays over the winter holiday break? Courses end in Dec before the holidays, so what are they all writing on during the break? Or college parties with paper cups (never have seen one at a college party - red Solo cups every time). So many little details that just stuck out or rubbed the wrong way.
Grammatical editing is needed - a good handful of typos - but also proofreading for consistency. Lots of inconsistencies. Like Logan is introduced as "about two inches taller" than Tillie, but then she's consistently described as tiny and he's referred to as tall and broad. Sammy is a vegetarian at one point, but then 'could live off' pepperoni. Or Johnny takes off his jersey after practice and is immediately bare-chested. Though other things have been painstakingly described in this scene, he doesn't mention his pads underneath his jersey? Or Tillie knows ridiculous levels of nothing about football, even though her dad played and her grandfather coached?? Even if she wasn't a football fan, at least something should have sunk in, especially when she talks about how close she is with her dad. Just lots of little things that didn't flow or stay consistent throughout.
Also, Tillie gasped or moaned about everything. That was her go-to response, and it got old.
Alternating 1st person POV. No cheating, no love triangles, no OM drama. OW drama that escalates unexpectedly. Formulaic nerd-jock romance with some likeable characters. Would have been so much better if the author had either done her research or stuck with sports or settings she actually knew anything about. But to write a college football romance and know practically nothing about American universities or American football? It makes it very hard to stay in the story if you know anything about these subjects at all. There's suspending disbelief, and then there's football where a touchdown is 12 points. Still, no cliffhangers and HEA. And it was a free find on Kindle.
Would I read more in this series? From this author? Probably not. As much as I liked the side characters and would be willing to hear their stories (can see Sammy having a cute MM romance), I am not fond of this writer's style. And I definitely don't think I could take more books with her version of football.
June 27, 2019
Ok, wow! Where to start?
This was my first book by this author, I was reading in preparation of my first book signing next month at Blackpool.
I like to be honest with my reviews as it is just my opinion. I was unsure about this book as I started it. It felt it was a bit too much information about the tiny steps the characters are making. However I could see that the characters were well rounded and knew they were going to lead me somewhere. Boy was I right! After the first few chapters I was totally hooked. There was so much going on in the plot, I thought I had it sussed and then it was twisted.
I loved all the characters, i loved how they all interacted with each other and supported each other. I loved Sammy, I really hope he gets his own book. That boy is a hero! I loved how Tillie was instantly drawn to him yet there was never anything sexual and no jealousy from his brother.
I loved Logan and how at first it appeared the story was going to be about him and Tillie. I loved his easy friendship with her and his love for Sammy.
I loved Johnny and Tillie and at times reading it it felt almost like I was reading a book by Sara Ney and her jocks it was that good. I loved how sweet Johnny was to Tillie and how loving and patient he was with her.
The added drama twist was excellent and totally out of the blue for me. I loved it, and I loved how it brought them all closer together. I really hope there is another book in this series too as I will be the first one there reading it.
This was my first book by this author, I was reading in preparation of my first book signing next month at Blackpool.
I like to be honest with my reviews as it is just my opinion. I was unsure about this book as I started it. It felt it was a bit too much information about the tiny steps the characters are making. However I could see that the characters were well rounded and knew they were going to lead me somewhere. Boy was I right! After the first few chapters I was totally hooked. There was so much going on in the plot, I thought I had it sussed and then it was twisted.
I loved all the characters, i loved how they all interacted with each other and supported each other. I loved Sammy, I really hope he gets his own book. That boy is a hero! I loved how Tillie was instantly drawn to him yet there was never anything sexual and no jealousy from his brother.
I loved Logan and how at first it appeared the story was going to be about him and Tillie. I loved his easy friendship with her and his love for Sammy.
I loved Johnny and Tillie and at times reading it it felt almost like I was reading a book by Sara Ney and her jocks it was that good. I loved how sweet Johnny was to Tillie and how loving and patient he was with her.
The added drama twist was excellent and totally out of the blue for me. I loved it, and I loved how it brought them all closer together. I really hope there is another book in this series too as I will be the first one there reading it.
May 13, 2019
'I was pretty sure he thought he would have me all hung on his junk like the rest of the brainless bimbos around here. He'd have a long wait until I fell into his bed',
Strong words from our sassy heroine Tillie. Tillie is the girl that doesn't follow the crowd and even though she has commenced college as a freshman that doesn't change her strong character.
Then there is Johnny who is top football player and most popular boy in school. He fits the stereotypes in looks but underneath that Johnny is sensitive, caring and genuine. He has girls on 'tap' but for some reason our hero can't take his mind of Tillie.
Bez is Tillie's college best friend who supports her through everything and is a tough, loveable feminine character who keeps the boys in their place.
This is a story about not following the rules but following your heart.
There is some surprises through-out this book but I shall leave them for you to discover.
The author has developed a set of strong characters is this book that keeps you reading.
Favourite Quotes:
'I will never hurt you he whispered if I am with you, I am only with you'
'My cock was doing a happy dance'
'she looked blissed out, like she didn't have a care in the world'
'he was looking at me like I was his whole world. It was the same look every Disney prince wore when looking at their princess'
'she has my engine reeving and I didn't want it to stop'
Strong words from our sassy heroine Tillie. Tillie is the girl that doesn't follow the crowd and even though she has commenced college as a freshman that doesn't change her strong character.
Then there is Johnny who is top football player and most popular boy in school. He fits the stereotypes in looks but underneath that Johnny is sensitive, caring and genuine. He has girls on 'tap' but for some reason our hero can't take his mind of Tillie.
Bez is Tillie's college best friend who supports her through everything and is a tough, loveable feminine character who keeps the boys in their place.
This is a story about not following the rules but following your heart.
There is some surprises through-out this book but I shall leave them for you to discover.
The author has developed a set of strong characters is this book that keeps you reading.
Favourite Quotes:
'I will never hurt you he whispered if I am with you, I am only with you'
'My cock was doing a happy dance'
'she looked blissed out, like she didn't have a care in the world'
'he was looking at me like I was his whole world. It was the same look every Disney prince wore when looking at their princess'
'she has my engine reeving and I didn't want it to stop'
March 19, 2020
Reviewed for A Book Nerd, a Bookseller and a Bibliophile
3.5 Stars
This was a cute, sweet college romance of opposites attract. Tillie is in her first year of college. She is an art student with an issue with her living situation. She is really sweet, a bit naive, and has a hidden strength in her. She comes to college pretty innocent and makes friends with the football house across the street. I liked in the beginning of the leads you to believe the love interest is someone else but you are pleasantly surprised. Then you have Johnny, he is not your typical jock. Johnny is a player, but he is sweet and has a big heart and care about those that are near and dear to him.Johnny and Tillie are complete opposites and a very unlikely pair but there is not denying the chemistry between the two. The two helped each other to mature and they grew into their relationship. The story mad you curious of the supporting characters which is good because this is the first in the series. If you are looking for a sweet college romance this is your book.
3.5 Stars
This was a cute, sweet college romance of opposites attract. Tillie is in her first year of college. She is an art student with an issue with her living situation. She is really sweet, a bit naive, and has a hidden strength in her. She comes to college pretty innocent and makes friends with the football house across the street. I liked in the beginning of the leads you to believe the love interest is someone else but you are pleasantly surprised. Then you have Johnny, he is not your typical jock. Johnny is a player, but he is sweet and has a big heart and care about those that are near and dear to him.Johnny and Tillie are complete opposites and a very unlikely pair but there is not denying the chemistry between the two. The two helped each other to mature and they grew into their relationship. The story mad you curious of the supporting characters which is good because this is the first in the series. If you are looking for a sweet college romance this is your book.
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