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Undefeated #2

Model Boyfriend

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A powerful contemporary romance set in the fast-moving world of international modelling.


"What’s it like dating one of the most beautiful men in the world? A man whose face is on every magazine and ad campaign?

Not as much fun as it sounds, as Anna Scott is about to find out.

Retired from rugby at the age of 33, injured and bored, Nick is given the chance to enter the high stakes world of fashion photography as a model.

But behind the glittering façade lies an ugly reality: drugs, alcohol, all the deadly sins, and people willing to sleep their way to the top.

It’s a tough life and tougher on relationships.

Nick needs to learn to navigate the treacherous path quickly or risk losing it all—including the woman who has become his reason for living.

In this glamorous world, there is no room for error. Being a MODEL BOYFRIEND has never been harder.

Can nice guy Nick find his way through, or will he be tempted to risk it all? Because the one thing he despises is failure.

He’s a lot more than a pretty face."


This story continues where UNDEFEATED left off, although it can also be read as a stand-alone story in its own right.

334 pages, ebook

Published July 10, 2018

47 people are currently reading
316 people want to read

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Stuart Reardon

7 books212 followers

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Profile Image for Sophie "Beware Of The Reader".
1,574 reviews389 followers
July 10, 2018
5 stars

 

They did it again!

First lines and I was already sucked into Nick and Anna’s world.

I had forgotten how this author’s duo pulled me into the story with details related to the rugby world that made the story so real and vivid.

Honestly if you have read my review of Undefeated and the interview of Jane and Stuart you would know that I really was skeptical beginning undefeated. Call me biased but I was really wondering what a former rugby player could give as a writer. And I was in for a huge surprise as Stuart’s life experience gave an intense edge to the story!

 

Model Boyfriend did not disappoint.

Yet it is difficult to keep the reader’s interest in a sequel happening five years after the main characters had their HEA!

How would Jane and Stuart weave this tale to keep me invested?

 

Well using the same “recipe”: Stuart’s phenomenal insight in the “after” once your career as a professional athlete has ended and their author’s duo writing about a captivating plot filled with touching, strong yet human characters.



I don’t want to tell too much about the story but know that the book begins five years after Nick and Anna had their HEA.

Nick is preparing to play his last match before retiring.

This first chapter felt like following an athlete in “real time and real life”. You witness his doubts, his fears but also the resignation as he knows his body has taken so many injuries he can’t go on any longer playing as a professional.
Even when you know it’s time, you refuse to believe that your body is broken. Your mind is strong, so you carry on for as many seasons as you can. You take painkillers to get you through the games: paracetamol, ibuprofen, tramadol, cortisone injections: any concoction the doctor can give. Post-game, we take sleeping tablets or diazepam in case the painkillers wear off during the night while we sleep and try recover. With all the injuries I’ve had, I should be glad it’s my last game, but deep down I’m not. I don’t know what I’m going to do next—midlife crisis here I come. It’s like leaving home again”

If his body tells it’s time to retire his head and heart wonder who he is if he does not have rugby.
I’m not Nick Renshaw the Rugby star anymore, who am I? What’s my purpose? If he was honest, not knowing who or what he was, it scared him. I can’t let Anna see me like this.”

This was one of the many insightful moments filling the book.

I was in Nick’s shoes.

Being worshipped and respected for his career, cheered by his old and current teammates yet dreading the time ahead.

 

It makes you realize that all these professional athletes have really short careers but they begin very young.

They are institutionalized. They have a strict schedule. They have coaches, physiotherapy, training, competition rinse repeat. They live in a very structured and focus world.

Once this all ends the transition is not easy!

 

Nick was only 33. No way would he let Anna earn all the living and him mooch on her earnings.

Even if he has savings he need a goal, a purpose, something.

Depression is at the next corner. Nick is drifting.
She wished he’d be animated by something. This shadowy version of Nick was hard to take.

Of course when your other half is depressed the relationship suffers.

This is another topic the authors broached: how depression not only affects the depressed but his entourage as well.

 

A chance proposition by a famous photographer will launch Nick on a path to become a model.

Anna really encouraged Nick to pursue this new opportunity. Even if he has to live far from her for months. Even if he’ll be surrounded by gorgeous but skinny women. Even if….



I really loved the parallel between Nick’s next career and Stuart modelling for romance covers. Once again we get a unique “insider” view of the modelling world. I don’t know what was true and what was fiction with Stuart’s own experience but again these details made for a vivid and exceptional story. It gives intensity and a “raw and real” feel that you can’t reach with book research. Nothing beats experiencing first hand.

 

I won’t say more about the plot.

 

Just know that Nick and Anna were stronger together than separated with doubt filtering through their thoughts. Miscommunication, wanting to do what’s best for the other without telling him your real feelings gave an extra layer of angst to the story.

Anna knows she is not enough for Nick. No one can be everything for the other. It’s not healthy. She knows most athletes struggle with the transition. Yet being a psychologist and dealing with similar cases on a daily basis does not make it any easier for her. Because this time it’s personal. Close to home.

Nick won’t be the only one battling doubts. Anna will also harbor her own fears and uncertainties.

 

Special mention for the side characters who give colors and added layers to the book.

 

Brendan was just so Brendan and so fantastic! I loved his flamboyant yet smart and generous personality.

The banter between Anna and Brendan or anyone speaking to Brendan in general was hilarious!
"She’s not worth crying about,” he said, stroking her hair gently. “She’s just a withered old tart, with more cosmetic enhancements than a makeup counter at Harrods.”

 

Molly was still the evil witch (yes she’ll make a comeback into the story).

Nick’s friends helped to save the day and opened unexpected venues to the story.

 

This book is well written, with the right pace filled with many interesting details about managing a second career as an ex professional athlete and all the challenges and dangers the main characters have to overcome.

 

You’ll have many topics:

-retiring very young and finding a new purpose;

-addiction to drugs and medicine;

-homosexuality in a very “male” sport;

-sacrifices and unhealthy practices in the modelling world;

-what is truly loving someone if not giving him wings and freeing him;

-media manipulation;

And I am certain I must have forgotten some other important messages.

 

The story kept my interest all along and I really have a soft spot for these two lovebirds as well as the colorful yet loyal Brendan.

 

Recommend it? Oh yes!

Do you love your stories with an "insider" view?
Thanks for reading!
Sophie

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Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,943 reviews989 followers
July 5, 2018
Ok first of all..Stuart Reardon- WOWZA !

description

Now that the ogle party is dealt with, let's focus on the story part. Gasp-worthy & in depth look at the modelling world and a fabulous take of it from a male POV. I'll be honest, I thought male models had it easy. Myths are shattered and often ugly truths exposed in the book. So mouth agape and all, I loved the book.
Its a life-changing moment for any athlete to play his last game and then say goodbye to his field and team. They've been living/breathing the sport as long as they can remember and their life has molded around it.
With all the injuries I’ve had, I should be glad it’s my last game, but deep down I’m not. I don’t know what I’m going to do next— midlife crisis here I come. It’s like leaving home again— I’m leaving the comfort of team sport, leaving the lads I’ve grown to call brothers, leaving the commitment, the comradery, the lifestyle, the sense of being a part of something bigger than myself.

description

The night it all ends, voluntarily or due to injury, retirement brings down the mountain of identity crisis crashing down on the player. His moorings are untied and he drifts. An insightful, informative and behind the scenes look into the life of Rugby Player -Nick Renshaw. He retirs and is now trying to find a motive, an aim to get up in the morning, something to get excited about. I have to be honest here, I went in quite blind. I was expecting a raunchy, smutty description of a high profile lifestyle that I assumed belonged to cover models and pinup models. Boy ! Was I wrong.
whole process of modelling a lot vain and a little ridiculousness.

description

This book I believe closely resembles Stuart's own transition from a 16 year rugby career to a successful and famous model life. But I guess, or I'm hoping it's quite fictionalized. I wouldn't wish a Molly on my enemies even !!
“It’s slam dunk and Fuck You, Mouldy McKinney!
Struggles, trials, injuries, pockmark self-dignity at times in the search for Destiny.
What happens next?
What defines me?
Who am I?
He’d achieved what he set out to do— there should be no regrets. But it was so damn hard to let go, so hard to unplug.
I’ll never replace this. Rugby is under my skin, it’s in my blood, it flows through my soul.
What am I, who am I, now I no longer have rugby?


description

It's itching his soul, flaking his psyche and battering his confidence. Add to this the over supportive fiancee, scandals that don't seem to die down, an ex whose talons are embedded deep in his life and painful injuries. That all tests their relationship and patience starts to wear thin at times.
The story was so poignant and truthful, I could feel Nick's frustration and Anna's desperation.
It was such a departure from the usual sports romance where the Hero has it all and is strutting through life with a sexy heroine in his arms, mouthing smutty dialogues, having sexathons and everything in life is served on a golden platter.
Nope, this book turns the golden picture around and shows you the flip side , hidden life of the players and models and Inner workings.

description

I loved reading it, I was engrossed into this world Stuart and Jane created. It's forthright, upfront and candid at most times, which was a breath of fresh air. No false promises or rosy glasses here. Everything is stark and genuine. I wish I had read book 1 first, but I'll be doing that now. They're standalone so this one could be read as is.
Also noteworthy is gay element in the storyIt's s not caricature-like, but people with feelings, that get hurt when taunted and bullied, when closeted and revealed, when abandoned and accepted.
Pick up this book if you want a unique sports romance book, so far away from the generic cookie-cutter books. If nothing, pick it up for Hot Stuart Reardon and if the scenes are as true as I felt them to be, they'll melt your panties and then your heart😜
Anna was limp, lying on her side with her thighs pressed together— even her skin seemed in shock with the thoroughness of Nick’s love-making.
There's hot sex alright, but there's also soft romance, not the usual "You're Mine, Come for me" dialogues but heartfelt words that may have been spoken to some very wonderful woman in Stuart's life.😍 swooooooooooon!
Like Brendan says “A good rogering by the rugby Romeo. I’m totes jelly.”
This book has it all, feelings, emotions, tears, laughter, smiles, pain and ultimately bliss.
4.5 "Nana-Banana" stars
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Profile Image for Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms.
2,803 reviews345 followers
July 3, 2018
3.5 stars
Model Boyfriend follows Undefeated, and while there were many things I enjoyed about Nick and Annie, I had trouble truly relating to them. They were both so insecure at times - and while in some instances this is understandable, in others it just made me roll my eyes.
Full review to come.
Profile Image for Grace.
2,314 reviews114 followers
July 4, 2018
This story continues the love story of Nick Renshaw and Anna Scott, as they navigate career changes, distance, and that ex that just won't go away.

Like Undefeated, there is a good amount of rugby in this story, but it is not a key part, as Nick's impressive career in the sport is coming to an end, at the age of 33. With nothing but time on his hands, Nick struggles with finding a purpose and direction outside the sport. I was surprised he didn't explore the coaching or commentating side of the sport, but instead, wallowed in what he missed. And I admired that Anna, rather than be angry with his withdrawal, kept up her support and encouraged him on whatever path his life took, even if that path was thousands of miles away.

What I enjoyed about Undefeated and also in this book, was the insider knowledge that the author, Stuart, provided. Yes, this book is fiction, but there were so many details provided about the inner workings of the two lifestyles, which made it authentic. As Nick's career shifted and he began to explore the world of modeling, the reader was treated to insight beyond the wild drugs and parties. I was most surprised about the model's training regimen and diet, especially the water part. On the outside, it’s a glamorous lifestyle, but there is a lot that is less than desirable. I liked how the book explored those elements. There are also some fun parts, like the inclusion of model turned author, Golden Czermak.

A large part of this story had the two main characters separated by an ocean, and it highlighted how communication, or the lack thereof, made that separation harder. This is not to say that the love between the characters died, but I think both were apprehensive on Nick's career change, and while Nick was eager to prove his worth to Anna, she was eager to show her support. And lost in the middle of all that was how they missed each other.

The angst in the book is ramped up with the woman who just won't go away as she reinserts herself into the story-line to stir shit up. While I hated her to the core, her purpose in the story was needed, adding some drama to the mix and a weird way, bringing Nick and Anna closer together.

This was a fun read, with a "behind the scenes" type feel. Insightful and entertaining, this couple proves that not even an ocean and a drama queen can keep them apart. And as a bonus, there is another sweet love story that seemed long overdue.

*An ARC was received for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Tatyna.
384 reviews
August 4, 2020
4⭐️
In questo libro gli autori riprendono la storia di Nick e di Anna e raccontano come il loro rapporto affronta le difficoltà che Nick incontra alla fine della sua carriera sportiva e, di conseguenza, di come cambino gli equilibri di coppia di fronte ad una nuova prospettiva di lavoro.
Anche stavolta la passione che Nick ha per il football emerge in modo potente, la sua è più di una passione, lo sport è parte di lui e della sua vita e andare in pensione a trentatré anni lo fa cadere in una stato di apatia che preoccupa, seriamente, la sua dolce e generosa Anna che cerca di spronarlo a trovare nuovi interessi e coltivare nuove ambizioni.
Il personaggio di Nick è semplice ma, nonostante ciò anche in questo libro, risulta essere il vero protagonista.
Anna è presente e la sua influenza è costante ma, durante la lettura, ho sempre avuto chiara la percezione che questa fosse, sostanzialmente, la storia di Nick.
Inoltre, leggendo, emerge chiaramente lo stile e la presenza maschile di uno dei due autori ed io ho trovato questa cosa particolarmente stimolante.
Unica pecca, come nel primo libro, la scelta di impostare il pov in terza persona che io purtroppo non amo.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,081 reviews209 followers
July 4, 2018
From the first book of Harvey-Berrick’s I read, her talent and skill quickly won me over, so the superior quality of the writing here goes without saying. But can we talk about Stu? Is there nothing this man can’t do? Professional athlete, model, photographer, romance author and maybe a bit of musical talent thrown in. On the surface he looks like a superhero, which makes the autobiographical nature of this book and the first, Undefeated, that much more compelling. The fact that he pulls back the curtain to reveal authentic life challenges, complex human emotions of fear, anger, uncertainty and depression, and human frailties that we all struggle with prompted a lot of pondering on my part. With all of the challenges and roadblocks he's faced, how does it still appear that he has the golden touch? What is the difference between him and any one of us who struggles day to day? Maybe it comes down to attitude and the actions that follow, and the fact that he refuses to allow anything to defeat him.

Model Boyfriend is the continuation of Nick and Anna's story and picks up as Nick is retiring from his rugby career. While this book didn’t feel as raw and angsty as Undefeated, there’s still a lot that takes place. Anna is getting settled in her new career as an advice columnist and author, and Nick is trying to figure out life after rugby. He’s not doing such a great job of it, becoming withdrawn, sullen and listless. Although these soul mates have started on their happily ever after, the flowers have wilted and the hearts are a bit tattered and bruised in this romance.

When Nick gets an offer from esteemed photographer, Massimo Igashi, to model for a calendar to benefit charity, hoping it might get Nick out of his funk, Anna encourages him to take the job. From there he's referred to a modeling agency and goes to New York City to pursue a career as a model. The reader gets an inside look at the modeling industry from the perspective of an engaged man whose heart, and every part of his being, belongs to Anna. From sleazy photographers and child co-models to underage sex and substance abuse it’s less than pretty and presents some ethical issues for this model boyfriend. I have to say, after reading about the unsavory side of the modeling world, I actually got the good kind of chills and my heart did a happy dance when I read the scene with Golden Czermak. (If you’re not familiar with that bad boy who's a real stand-up guy, check out his many talents.)

If Undefeated were Victoria Falls, Model Boyfriend is more like the Pacific Ocean. Just as powerful, just as forceful and just as deep, but a lot more subtle. There are still plenty of challenges and issues for Nick and Anna to work through but they aren’t quite as gut wrenching and emotionally draining in this book. The ex, Molly, is still trying to cause trouble, and Anna and Nick are apart more than they're together, which takes its toll on their relationship. Of course Anna's BFF/assistant, Brendan returns as a strong secondary character, and I had forgotten how much I adore him! Any time things got a little intense or heavy, he was right there with some over-the-top comic relief. It was actually Brendan's subplot that made me teary, and his story, alone, would make this book worth reading.

This book can stand alone, but I think reading Undefeated first will offer a better, more complete reading experience, so if you haven’t read it yet, start there. I had said in my review of Undefeated that it was my top read of the year, and together with Model Boyfriend, Anna and Nick's story is still my top read this year. Expect to have your heart squeezed, to startle yourself with out-loud laughter, and possibly find yourself yelling at some of these characters. It's a fascinating inside look at some worlds we're not familiar with, a study of the human condition complete with failures, frustrations, growth and triumph, and a phenomenal read that will stay with you long after the last page. Prepare for these characters to sneak into your heart, leave their lasting mark on your soul, and keep you in their grasp far into the future.

*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
Profile Image for Lisa (Two Bookish Brits).
910 reviews167 followers
July 8, 2018
First of all kudos to these two incredible authors on an even more incredible book. Jane and Stuart are a freaking awesome power couple in writing, this book just blew me away!!

Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This book can be read as a stand-alone but I’m going to recommend you read Undefeated first to get the beginning of Nick and Anna’s story, it’ll make this book so much more better for you but even without it you’ll enjoy this beauty, it’s captivating and it’ll keep you hooked until the last page.

So, Nick is introduced to the modelling business after finishing his time playing Rugby. You often hear stories about modelling and what goes on behind the scenes but there’s chapters in this story that have your mouth gaping and your eyes wide open in shock. The horror of what some models go through is actually quite insane. It’s time consuming, demanding and at times, sleazy. So, kudos to models because it sure as shit doesn’t sound like a breeze. I love how Nick handled things when faced with difficult situations during his modelling stint, he’s a strong, caring and amazing man.

Anna was as amazing as always. I love how supportive and caring she is. I love how much she pushed Nick to get him out of his stump because she cares about his well being. I love her friendship with Brendan (he’s legit the best secondary character ever) their banter is one of the things I loved the most about this book.

The storyline was intriguing. Although difficult at times we see both characters come through, we see their happiness, their sadness and every other emotion and we feel it too. Model Boyfriend is the kind of book that makes you feel everything the characters are feeling.

Jane and Stuart have outdone themselves on this beauty, I’m so happy with how everything turned out. I adore a book that can make me this happy just from reading. If I could rate this higher than 5 stars I would.
Profile Image for CeCe.
3,617 reviews109 followers
July 11, 2018
I am not sure what it was that did not work for me, but it just didn’t. I liked the premise. The switch in POVs was done well. The drama was there. However, I did not feel a connection to the characters.
I am not sure why.
This may work for you, but I found myself skimming.
Profile Image for Cherry Pie.
930 reviews21 followers
August 10, 2020
[3,5*]

description

ATTENZIONE: In questo romanzo si danno per assunti fatti accaduti nel primo libro della serie, “Invincibile”. Per evitare spoiler è preferibile leggere seguendo l’ordine.

«Cerca di essere presente in ogni momento: nel rugby, nello sport, nella vita, perché, se glielo permetti, tutto può sfuggirti in un batter d’occhio. Quando la tua carriera si avvicinerà alla fine, desidererai di poter rivivere tutto daccapo, ma in maniera migliore, con più forza e più intelligenza… e senza infortuni.»


Sono tornati Anna, la psicologa sportiva e Nick, il rugbista sul viale del tramonto, e con loro le sindromi da insicurezza di entrambi. Non potete vedermi ma ho appena alzato gli occhi al cielo. In effetti, per essere la storia di due adulti che hanno già vissuto un passato amoroso e hanno superato la trentina, entrambi i nostri protagonisti hanno caratteristiche caratteriali quasi adolescenziali: poca inclinazione al confronto e alla sincerità, molta insicurezza sul proprio futuro, diverse ingenuità che, soprattutto in Anna, di professione psicologa, ricordiamolo, qua e là mi hanno fatto storcere il naso…

Nella seconda parte invece il romanzo si fa molto più convincente, anche per la presenza di Brendan, l’amico gay di Anna, simpaticissimo e molto arguto. È lui a dare le giuste dritte sia ad Anna che a Nick proprio quando tu, lettore, stai per gettare dalla finestra il Kindle, all’ennesimo fraintendimento o omissione dei due.

«Anna cara» disse dolcemente «stai dicendo così tante cagate, che sotto il tavolo stanno crescendo delle rose.»


Lui mi ha strappato parecchie risate.

Insomma una lettura con alti e bassi, ma scritta con uno stile impeccabile e un realismo davvero rari. A pensarci bene, l’impressione che resta dopo aver girato l’ultima pagina non è di aver goduto di una favola, quanto piuttosto del racconto di due vite vere, quelle di Nick e Anna.

description

Lui ha avuto una carriera sportiva brillante per tutta la vita, è comprensibile che si senta svanire la terra di sotto i piedi quando è costretto al ritiro. E lei? D’accordo che svolge una professione che lavora con i dubbi e le paure delle persone, ma è altrettanto semplice accorgersi dei propri dubbi e delle proprie paure?

Anna e Nick, prima di essere due professionisti particolari, sono due persone, che spesso sbagliano, a volte inciampano, che parlano troppo poco e danno per scontato troppo altro, ma che si amano e che quindi in qualche modo si rialzano e ripartono, appoggiati l’uno all’altra.

Non posso certo definire magica la loro storia, ma nella vita vera quale storia lo è davvero, se analizzata nel corso del tempo? Nessuna, probabilmente.

Una nota di merito dunque per aver scelto come protagonisti due personaggi speciali ma avergli dato caratteri incompleti, reali, con debolezze ed egoismi tutti umani.

Il mondo patinato, illuminato dalle luci della ribalta, non è sempre solo pieno di fiori e stelle. Spesso puzza un po’ di marcio e quelle stelle sono opache…

Navillus.
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Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,403 reviews21 followers
July 12, 2018
I didn't read Undefeated so I went into this book blindly. While I grasped it quickly, I would've liked to know how Nick and Anna got to the point where the books started, although it didn't have any affect on my review. I will most likely grab Undefeated and read. Nick and Anna are it for each other. Nick retires from rugby and is in a self pitying slump. Rugby was his life, thats a huge change from playing to hardly playing at all. He gets into modeling. It was really intriguing seeing the modeling world in the background.

Anna struggles a bit because there is distance between them because he's gone to model in the states. She is really supportive but also missing him. Distance is always hard in any relationship, and on top of that, the ex that won't go away. I liked this story a lot. Nick and Anna are really so sweet together and have so much love for each other, it was conveyed in this book. Would recommend.
Profile Image for Marieke ~ Marieke's Books.
454 reviews25 followers
July 10, 2018
What would you do when you retire at an early age from the sport that has been your life for a long, long time? Happily start a new chapter, or finding it hard to make a new start? Model Boyfriend picks up where Undefeated left off; with a happy Nick and Anna. But Nick’s retirement and him finding a new purpose doesn’t make their lives any easier. I’ve enjoyed this follow-up story very much.
“I feel lost. Like I don’t know who I am, like I don’t know where I fit into this world. What’s my purpose?”

Nick and Anna are happy; living together and engaged, everything they have ever wanted. In his early 30’s, Nick is ready to leave his successful rugby career behind him. Not that he doesn’t love the sport anymore, but rugby is a hard, physical game and he isn’t getting any younger. But retirement and Nick do not mix well. He doesn’t know what to do with his wide-open schedule, feels unsure about the future. Anna is hurting for the man she loves. She sees him struggle, and tries to point him in a new direction, even if it makes her uneasy. Their love is still there of course, but it isn’t as easy as it used to be.
“It wasn’t fair for all the responsibility of his life to weigh on Anna. He was a man and he needed to act like one. He needed to do this on his own terms.”

Nick! Dude! What are you doing! While I understand him to a point, I also wanted to slap him a bit. He really went through a rough period because of his retirement, but he didn’t talk to his Anna about it, about his feelings and his doubts. I really liked Nick in the modeling world. As an outsider he has a totally different view of what’s normal, and the modeling world and its excesses is not okay in his book. I love Anna. She loves Nick so much, and she hates to see him unhappy, without a meaningful purpose. I find her brave for letting Nick find his way back to himself, and to her.

Like Undefeated, most of Model Boyfriend is told from Nick’s manly POV; straight to the point and no flowery nonsense. Model Boyfriend can be read as a standalone, but to get the full picture you should read Undefeated first. Normally I’m not a fan of giving a couple a second book (it can only mean trouble in paradise), but for Nick and Anna it’s working. They have their up and downs in the book, but their love for each other isn’t in question.
“Winning didn’t matter, rugby didn’t matter. What matters is what we have here. I don’t have the fire for it anymore. Here, with you … that’s where I want to be.”

www.mariekesbooks.com
Profile Image for Kristiej.
1,532 reviews101 followers
September 2, 2018
Jane Harvey-Berrick is an autobuy author. If you haven’t already tried one of her books, you really should! She is amazing. So when she came out with a new book, Undefeated, co-written by Stuart Reardon, I couldn’t wait to read it. And it was so, so good. It was the story of Nick Renshaw, a pro rugby player who had anger issues. He was instructed to work with Anna Scott, a sports phycologist. Though there were sparks, nothing came of it while she was helping him. Troubles got worse for Nick and Anna supported him. Eventually they became much more and were involved once their working relationship was over. But fate stepped in. They had a lot to overcome but this being a romance they did and the book ended with Nick about to retire.

Model Boyfriend opens soon after. While retirement might have sounded good, Nick is having a very difficult time dealing with it. He is used to rugby being the centre of his world, along with Anna of course, and he is lost as to what to do now. He’s still quite young at 33, though that is old in the very rough and tumble game of rugby. Anna tries to be understanding, and she really is, but Nick is still struggling to find a new purpose in life.

He’s an extremely good looking young man so when he does a bit of modeling and doesn’t hate it, he decides to try and get into the business. This means heading to New York where the best opportunities are. While Anna is American, her life is now in England so she stays behind while they try and carry on a long distance relationship.

This is a summary but the book is so much more and I love it. Stuart Reardon himself is a Very Attractive former rugby player who transitioned to the world of modelling after his rugby days were over. This brings an absolutely amazing authenticity to the book and makes it even richer than it could have been. The reactions to the difficulty in booking jobs seems so real – probably because it is. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to learn that Mr. Reardon had the same kind of experiences as they are told and explained very well.

I did get a tad frustrated at Anna at times though. She had a bit of a martyr complex. She was really hurting at times by missing Nick in general, getting upset when he seemed to change course in his plans etc. but she refused to be real with him. She didn’t tell him how much she missed him. Since he was missing her like crazy and at times even wonders if she misses him as much. She was too understanding at times. Her BFF even calls her out on it a few times but she doesn’t listen; too busy being a martyr I guess. But for the most part I liked her. And I love Nick. He’s a bit clueless and a wee bit selfish at times as to what he’s doing to Anna, but then since she doesn’t say anything how can he really know?

I’m a huge sports fan and I’ve wondered a number of times how high profile athletes must struggle with not being in the limelight and having other younger athletes take their place. This book is so honest and real on how their world and their place in it changes. I’m sure many athletes are ready for it but for others it takes time.
While I’m not sure it’s absolutely essential that one reads Undefeated first but it’s such a great book that I recommend it highly anyway.
Profile Image for Luisa Rivas.
2,195 reviews36 followers
July 12, 2018
I loved this book because I could totally relate. Nick Renshaw, famous rugby player who had led his team to two World Cups, was now retired and aimless. He had no direction and no purpose. He wandered around in a haze of depression, wanting something to do but nothing came up that gave him a passion for life. Poor Anna was in the sidelines, busy with her blog and her book, and wanting to help but knowing it was not her road to take, but his.

You think you’re prepared for retirement, but you’re really not. It takes time and living your life until the meaning of this next phase of your life comes to you.

The opportunity to model came to Nick and he took it more to alleviate Anna’s concern than because he liked it. We’re introduced to the sleazy world of modeling, where young models are predated, drugs and booze and sex are used to forge sleazy deals, and sexual harassment is the order of the day. It was interesting and eye-opening, not that it was an actual surprise. If it happens to young rock-stars, why not to starting models?

Anna and Nick are in a journey to find their new normal in their new circumstances. Nick is finding his new niche in life, he wants to be the man who Anna needs because she’s his world and he needs to provide her with the support and lifestyle she deserves. Anna feels very insecure; she’s a normal girl and he’s an outstanding athlete now turned hot model. She deals with a lot of insecurities, and what she doesn’t know is that he also was dealing with his own insecurities. Like Anna says in the book, they needed to realize that they were strong together, their “us” was what let them withstand the commotions that fame and an old enemy threw in their way. Anna felt that Nick was always leaving her when he started new endeavors and felt she was not a priority in his life; it took an emergency to clarify Nick on where his priorities are.

This was a great book portraying Nick and Anna’s journey after Nick’s retirement. I loved their devotion to each other and their dedication to make their relation work. As most couples do, lack of communication and mis-communications get relations into trouble and it takes love and determination to make it through. It was an enchanting and enthralling story. Loved to see how Nick and Anna grew as a couple.
Profile Image for KFForever.
1,053 reviews32 followers
July 9, 2018
kfforever

Reviewed by Anna Green on behalf of KFF

Model Boyfriend is the follow up to Undefeated, Anna and Nick’s story. It gives you a closer look on the real life behind the glitz and glam of the sports world and modelling. If you haven’t read Undefeated, I would suggest that you read it first so you can get the full background of this pair.

This is the book where you go beyond the happy ever after: this is Anna and Nick’s reality. In Undefeated, the authors gave us the fast paced world of rugby; however, this time we get a deeper insight into the glamorous but tawdry world of modelling. With Nick’s career in rugby closing to an end, his retirement brought up feelings of aimlessness and boredom. Anna’s insecurities rise to the surface again and the antagonist from the previous book makes a vengeful return. How in the world can this couple deal with their relationship when real life sets in?

Although I felt that some parts of the book were slower paced albeit interesting and more about the ins and outs of the fashion world and technical aspects of photography, the tempo picked up when other new characters were thrown into the pot. The authors’ writing style showed cohesiveness and is well written; I felt Nick’s pain when he was at a loss and he struggled in finding an alternative goal, and I shared Anna’s dread when she slowly felt Nick starting to distance himself again. I am glad that Brendan, Anna’s personal assistant and best friend played a bigger part in this book. He was the much needed “lift” in this romantic tale, someone who made me laugh with his outrageous and funny quips. I am so happy that Brendan’s character wasn’t made out to be a caricature of the gay best friend as he deserved more. The authors did him justice in giving us his story and was definitely an added bonus. I totally enjoyed reading about Anna and Nick again and I am sure you will too.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
2,646 reviews46 followers
July 6, 2018
Oh my stars. What do you get when you thrust a retired rugby player into the real world including modeling and so much more? An epic story of trying to hold love together in a crazy situation. Nick has been struggling and Anna wants him to find himself. There are a lot of ups and downs in this story and brilliant. Honestly hard to find the words to describe this story. I felt like I was immersed in such a heartbreaking yet heart mending story of these two.
You have Nick who is struggling so hard to figure out where he belongs in this world without rugby. I loved how we got an inside look at the photography moments. The epic and the nasty. The cameo in this story makes me smile as well because they captured him perfectly! But the ugly. Oh the ugly! I wanted to yell at moments when things happened. I could only imagine the frustrations on Nick’s end. Then you have Anna. I adored her character right from the start of these books and just only got better. I get why she acted the way she did but I also wanted to yell at her to fight. There were moments where I wanted to cry with Anna. I can’t imagine how I would navigate everything myself. Then you have Brennan. OMG I love him. I love how things played out for him. I giggled and adored every moment as he kept things real and light in some really pretty heavy moments.
Overall, this was a great read. You can really feel what the authors poured into this book that was themselves. It was raw and gritty with some amazing passionate moments that keep you on your toes and wondering what will happen next and how it will play out. If you have not picked up these books, do it because you will not regret it!
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,537 reviews63 followers
August 21, 2018
This was so wonderful. It had lots of laughs, tears, scares and most of all love
Profile Image for Ceres95.
505 reviews19 followers
July 4, 2018
This second book was great, we are seeing Nick struggles with his career and his relationship with Anna will suffer from it.

I like Nick and Anna but I also like Brendan and it's a pleasure to see him more in this book.

Profile Image for Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews.
1,861 reviews31 followers
July 4, 2018




Let me start by saying that this book was not what I was expecting at all. It exceeded my already high expectations by being a solid 5 star story.


This story sort of continues from Undefeated. Nick is a retired Rugby player at the age of 33. Having no meaning of what he should do now, Anna, his fiancé, pushes his toward modelling. Things are not that easy. A blast from his past will come and jeopardize all he’s worked for and possibly threatened his future with Anna.

I read Undefeated and loved it even if rugby’s not my thing. But Model Boyfriend was on an all new level. I was hooked from the very first page and it never let up. I just couldn’t put it down long enough to get some sleep so I’m suffering from insomnia. It was an highly entertaining story that NEVER had a dull moment. There was always something happening that kept me addicted to this story.

I loved these amazing characters that made me feel so much for them. Anna was at times uncertain and had insecurities. Nick was lost and didn’t know what he should next. Together they will find a new meaning. They had chemistry and respect for each other. I felt like I was reading a biography mixed with romance and some drama. Bottomline is this is a must read. It doesn’t hurt when the character Nick looks like the cover.

It could be read as a standalone but for better enjoyment read Undefeated first. But I think the readers could still read it as a standalone. Told in the third person with an HEA . I strongly recommend this story.
Profile Image for Isa Tis.
612 reviews10 followers
July 10, 2018
3.75*

Quel plaisir de retrouver Nick et Anna pour de nouvelles aventures, une fois de plus l’équipe de choc formée par Jane & Stuart a parfaitement mené son nouveau challenge !

Cela fait maintenant cinq que Nick et Anna vivent leur histoire d’amour mais la vie leur réserve encore bien des obstacles et c'est ensemble qu'ils devront parvenir à les surmonter, cela ne sera pas évident. Nick a bien du mal à vivre sereinement sa retraite sportive et ses premiers pas dans une nouvelle carrière de mannequin ne lui réserveront pas que des bonnes surprises.

Ce second opus contient énormément d’éléments autobiographiques et l’expérience de Stuart Reardon nous permet de découvrir les coulisses du monde du mannequinat, les dessous de ce milieu sont pas toujours très reluisants. Derrière le glamour, les paillettes, se cache en effet une réalité bien moins attirante...
Si l’univers de la photographie est très présent, ce qui m’a parfois un peu lassée, celui du rugby occupe aussi une place importante et cela a été un pur bonheur pour moi ! Et puis, pour bien faire monter la pression, apporter une touche de drame et nous faire grincer des dents, un personnage du passé se rappellera à notre couple.

Jane Harvey-Berrick a l’art d’écrire des histoires qui sortent des sentiers battus, c’est une nouvelle fois le cas pour ce roman. Nick et Anna forme un couple solide mais leur relation ne sera pas sans souffrir de la difficile transition qui s’opère suite à l’arrêt de la carrière sportive de Nick. Le rugby représentait tout pour lui et le sentir si perdu, le voir sombrer dans un état dépressif est douloureux, d’autant plus qu’on sent aussi la détresse d’Anna qui semble si démunie face à cette situation.
Notre couple alternera les moments de joie et de tristesse, ils devront aussi apprendre à être séparé l’un de l’autre et auront bien du mal à communiquer, malgré tout l'amour qu'ils éprouvent l'un pour l'autre est d'une force incroyable. J’avoue que parfois leur façon de se comporter m’a fait lever les yeux au ciel tant je les voir s’éloigner l’un de l’autre m’horripilait. Entre Nick qui a bien du mal à exprimer ses sentiments et Anna qui ne veut pas être celle qui entrave son homme, on a parfois l’impression que leur couple est vraiment en danger et qu’ils flirtent avec des limites dangereuses… Mais heureusement, les auteurs nous réservent de vrais moments de swoon et de tendresse pour contrebalancer ! Et puis, j'aime bien quand les héros sont loin d'être parfaits car cela ne les rend que plus réalistes.


Gros coup de cœur pour Brendan que j’avais déjà adoré dans le premier tome et là je dois dire que les auteurs m’ont comblée… Ce personnage est exubérant, drôle, lumineux mais surtout il est un ami fidèle et affectueux, un soutien précieux pour Anna. Ces répliques valent vraiment le détour et oooooh comme j’ai adoré la tournure des événements pour lui, mon petit cœur a trépigné de joie <3


Alors petit hic, Model Boyfriend contient pas mal d’expressions et de mots français, ce que j’ai forcément beaucoup apprécié mais il y a alheureusement pas mal de fautes, c'est un peu dommage mais je sais à quel point c'est compliqué de maîtriser une langue étrangère !

Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews254 followers
July 9, 2018
After reading the first story in this story I was desperate to find out more about Nick and Anna. After all the hardships and struggles they both endured to be together, I wanted to see them have their happy ever after. But in every relationship, there is always hardships and problems that occur, which is something that happens to this couple within Model Boyfriend. This writing duet did a fantastic job with this story with the way that they were able to bring about awareness of some really important issues that are affecting people in sports. Furthermore, they did a great job with the interesting and enjoyable story about this couple.

Anna I really enjoyed within this book because of the way that I could relate to her in regard to the insecurities that she feels throughout the story. I also loved the way that’s he continued to stand by Nick throughout his career and the choices that he made throughout the story. I loved the strength and feistiness that she continues to show throughout the story and the way she sticks up for Nick.

Nick I absolutely love and really enjoyed reading more about him. I really felt for him in regard to the struggles that he experiences throughout the story and the way that he was trying to work out what to do with his life. I found Nick to be really sweet in regard to Anna and the love that he has for her.

Model Boyfriend continues on from the first book in the series and is based on Nick and Anna as they navigate their lives after Nick retires from playing rugby and enters the world of modelling.

I really enjoyed this story and the writing style between this writing duet. They have an amazing way of writing a story that you can really connect with. I really loved the characters within the story and the relationships between the main characters and the secondary characters. This is an amazing sport romance and is definitely a story I recommend to everyone to read,
Profile Image for Cassie May.
Author 9 books85 followers
July 8, 2018
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Blog
I loved the first book „Undefeated“ a lot. It had love, drama and Rugby, so naturally I was eagerly waiting for the second book about Nick and Anna to be released.
I did not know what to expect from a book following up after Nick’s retirement, but I did not expect what I got now… A book, hidden behind the romance genre, but in fact more of a biography of one of the authors. I get and enjoyed the glimpses we got of the real experience in the first book, but in this, it was too much. I kept falling out of the story, just to think “was that fiction? Or was that reality?” It disturbed my reading immensely and made the book not really enjoyable for me.
The characters were the same as they were in the first book and where they overcame most of their insecurities in book one to be together and build a life, they were back to square one in this one, or so it seemed. There was no trust between Nick and Anna and instead of talking to each other, one only confided her assistant, the other sunk deeper and deeper into a depression.
I stayed with the book and still give three stars, because the writing style was good and made it possible for me to finish the book, also the plot was mostly consistent without plotholes or mistakes, but all in all I did not enjoyed reading this book. Sorry.
However I still recommend reading the first one if you are a rugby fan. It’s great!

1,049 reviews24 followers
August 1, 2018
3.75 Blush Review
I loved book one and book two didn't disappoint.  I felt as though I was reading somewhat of an autobiography of Stuart Reardon. (I know there were some embellishments added).  The details of Nick's life as a  model and rugby player were written with such specificness that it made it feel as though I was inside of Nick's head - seeing and feeling what he felt after his retirement and life as a model.

I am unsure which parts are real and which were not (there is a note in the back that explains a few differences between Nick and Stuart) but some other parts I am still unsure.  The feels - there are here.  Seeing the struggle that Nick faced and the treatment that Nick (and other male models) face was surprising at times.  It was nice to get the inside look of what many think is a privileged and easy life.

I enjoyed seeing how Nick and Anna persevered through the good and the bad.

This writing duo is perfect together.  The "real" of Stuart and the story-telling of Jane is a great mixture of fiction and non-fiction.  I look forward to more.
Profile Image for Clare.
533 reviews16 followers
July 9, 2018
Having read Undefeated which I really enjoyed about Nick Renshaw and his rugby career and of his meeting and falling in love with Anna Scott, I was really excited to see where his life would lead him after his rugby career had ended.
I started reading Model Boyfriend and found myself being distracted a lot as I found this book lacking in interesting storyline and little excitement as it is very slow going until about halfway through when a blast from his past shows up making trouble for him and Anna once again. This was a really big disappointment as it felt like this book could have been so much better but then again it had so much to live up to when Undefeated was a 5 star read for me. Without the drama of Nick training and playing rugby matches or recovering from injury for most of this book his modelling career just didn’t compare in story and it became a little boring to read.
This was an ok read and the writing was ok but i'm sad that I really didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
Profile Image for Mia.
245 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2018
This was my very first read by Stuart Reardon and Jane Harvey-Berrick and even though I wouldn’t consider it a romance novel it was still an interesting book.

‘Model Boyfriend’ sees Nick retiring from his successful rugby career trying to figure out what to do next with his life and Anna, his girlfriend, trying to keep Nick from drifting away from her.

This book goes into deep detail when talking about rugby and how the modeling world is for male models, it will leave you shocked and at the same time interested.

I respect Stuart Reardon for having the courage of opening up and telling his story for millions of people to read and I am so happy that after everything he still found his Happily Ever After. IT HAPPENS PEOPLE!!! NOT ONLY IN BOOKS!

I recommend this book to anyone looking for something new to read. something with sports references as love references.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,751 reviews52 followers
July 9, 2018
Definitely read Undefeated first to understand Anna and Nick's relationship struggles. This starts immediately afterwards with Nick drowning in self doubt and uncertainties after retiring from rugby. Anna wants to support his new modeling career but it's tough. The feeling of this book was a bit gloomy with low self esteem and jealousy, add in poor communication and you have two people suffering. I have to say Anna's PA Brendan stole the show, always the comic relief. I would have liked to have felt more invested in their relationship but I couldn't get myself there sometimes. I was pleased to receive an early copy and wrote my unbiased review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Book Lover.
153 reviews9 followers
August 19, 2020
Recensione a cura di Jessica per il blog Book Lover

Ho trovato il romanzo molto vero e coinvolgente, probabilmente grazie a Stuart Reardon che ha vissuto in prima persona ciò che sta vivendo Nick e per questo ci da una visione completa e molto realistica.
Consiglio a tutti la lettura di questa dilogia se vorrete leggere qualcosa di diverso dai soliti romanzi, una storia molto più intima e reale di tante incontrate fino ad oggi.
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