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Undefeated #1
Invincible
Quand votre monde s'effondre.
Quand tout le monde vous tourne le dos.
Quand votre corps est brisé.
Il faut se relever. Il faut revenir. Et devenir invincible.
Nick Renshaw est la pépite du rugby britannique. Malheureusement, il se blesse grièvement et sa carrière est menacée. Commence alors pour lui une descente aux enfers. Il se sent abandonné et trahi par ses proches, mais il veut se battre pour reprendre sa place.
Le Dr Anna Scott est la seule personne qui peut aider Nick, elle a ses propres méthodes mais aussi ses lourds secrets. Quand le passé de Nick revient les hanter tous les deux, l'énigmatique docteur est plus vulnérable qu'elle n'y paraît.
Brisée et trahie, la lutte pour survivre semble intolérable. Quant à Nick, retrouvera-t-il le chemin des terrains ? Qui cédera, qui se relèvera... qui restera invaincu ?
Quand tout le monde vous tourne le dos.
Quand votre corps est brisé.
Il faut se relever. Il faut revenir. Et devenir invincible.
Nick Renshaw est la pépite du rugby britannique. Malheureusement, il se blesse grièvement et sa carrière est menacée. Commence alors pour lui une descente aux enfers. Il se sent abandonné et trahi par ses proches, mais il veut se battre pour reprendre sa place.
Le Dr Anna Scott est la seule personne qui peut aider Nick, elle a ses propres méthodes mais aussi ses lourds secrets. Quand le passé de Nick revient les hanter tous les deux, l'énigmatique docteur est plus vulnérable qu'elle n'y paraît.
Brisée et trahie, la lutte pour survivre semble intolérable. Quant à Nick, retrouvera-t-il le chemin des terrains ? Qui cédera, qui se relèvera... qui restera invaincu ?
340 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2017
151 people are currently reading
1217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
January 23, 2018
Rugby is one of my pleasures in life and not just because the players thighs are a work of art. The atmosphere, the camaraderie between both the fans and the players, the all-round passion, there’s nothing like it. So when I started this and discovered that the club the hero plays for when we first meet him is my hometown, along with the fact he’s a Yorkshireman who can make Cottage Pie, calls an evening meal tea and uses the word git, I was chuffed to bits.
This was rugby—it was meant to be hard and tough and dirty.”
Undefeated is more than your sports-themed sexy romance with a man to swoon over. It has that, and Nick Renshaw is easy to fall for—a quiet, witty, self-effacing man with a sinful mouth and a cracking physique—but it’s when he begins his downward spiral that the more becomes evident and it does make you question your own judgement of people’s actions.
Smart is not about qualifications, it’s about the ability to learn from mistakes.”
Part two sees the romance aspect really kick into gear although the sports element remains ever present, and with a no-fraternisation policy in place club psychotherapist, Anna and Nick’s romance is already forbidden before it even begins. But you can’t deny what the heart wants and as their feelings crescendo it leads to a passionate love story where said hearts are tangled in professional ethics and secrecy.
Anna and Nick were portrayed wonderfully: they have such a natural ease around one another and are strong yet flawed, loveable yet maddening, sexy and funny and what they have is worth fighting for. And for all the moments when this story hurts and your heart breaks—at 34% I’m not ashamed to admit I sat sobbing, and again at 78%—there are those that fill you with hope, make you feel and give you a damn good giggle.
You’re the one walking around naked, being all sexy. I’m only human.”
When it comes to collaborations it matters not to me who wrote what, I just want to discover a story with memorable characters, a journey which holds me captive, gives my emotions a work out and leaves me with a happy heart. Together, Jane Harvey-Berrick and Stuart Reardon succeeded on all counts.
For every person who said he wouldn’t make it, he’d prove them wrong.”
Copy generously provided by the authors for an honest and unbiased opinion. It was my absolute pleasure. Stock Images used.
This was rugby—it was meant to be hard and tough and dirty.”
Undefeated is more than your sports-themed sexy romance with a man to swoon over. It has that, and Nick Renshaw is easy to fall for—a quiet, witty, self-effacing man with a sinful mouth and a cracking physique—but it’s when he begins his downward spiral that the more becomes evident and it does make you question your own judgement of people’s actions.
Smart is not about qualifications, it’s about the ability to learn from mistakes.”
Part two sees the romance aspect really kick into gear although the sports element remains ever present, and with a no-fraternisation policy in place club psychotherapist, Anna and Nick’s romance is already forbidden before it even begins. But you can’t deny what the heart wants and as their feelings crescendo it leads to a passionate love story where said hearts are tangled in professional ethics and secrecy.
Anna and Nick were portrayed wonderfully: they have such a natural ease around one another and are strong yet flawed, loveable yet maddening, sexy and funny and what they have is worth fighting for. And for all the moments when this story hurts and your heart breaks—at 34% I’m not ashamed to admit I sat sobbing, and again at 78%—there are those that fill you with hope, make you feel and give you a damn good giggle.
You’re the one walking around naked, being all sexy. I’m only human.”
When it comes to collaborations it matters not to me who wrote what, I just want to discover a story with memorable characters, a journey which holds me captive, gives my emotions a work out and leaves me with a happy heart. Together, Jane Harvey-Berrick and Stuart Reardon succeeded on all counts.
For every person who said he wouldn’t make it, he’d prove them wrong.”
Copy generously provided by the authors for an honest and unbiased opinion. It was my absolute pleasure. Stock Images used.
February 15, 2018
2.5 - 3 ★'s
I was definitely curious about this book. I hadn't read a book by Jane Harvey-Berrick before although I know a lot of my GR's friends really like her books. And well, almost everyone hasseen heard of Stuart Reardon. Sounds like a win-win, right?
Unfortunately for me, not so much. The amount of rugby information was a bit overwhelming. TBH I don't really care what all the positions do, all the injuries they get, all the league info, etc, etc. But to be fair, I guess it wasn't too over the top.
What was over the top was all the cliché moments...too bad I can't really expand on those without spoilers. I guess I was hoping for a little inside scoop of the actual romantic life of a rugby player. ~sigh~
Anna, the doctor, was extremely frustrating. Granted, she was trying to do the right thing but when you finally make a decision, stick with it, woman! *SMDH*
One of my favorite things was Nick's family...especially his sister, Trish. She was amazeballs, such an awesome sister and Nick would've been lost without her.
I also had an issue with Stuart Reardon being included in the story. I mean, wasn't he already Nick? It was just weird.
Overall, I'm glad I read it even if I wasn't crazy about it. They're doing another book, Model Boyfriend, coming out in the fall and I will probably check that out as well because, you know, curiosity killed the cat and all that. ;)
I was definitely curious about this book. I hadn't read a book by Jane Harvey-Berrick before although I know a lot of my GR's friends really like her books. And well, almost everyone has
Unfortunately for me, not so much. The amount of rugby information was a bit overwhelming. TBH I don't really care what all the positions do, all the injuries they get, all the league info, etc, etc. But to be fair, I guess it wasn't too over the top.
What was over the top was all the cliché moments...too bad I can't really expand on those without spoilers. I guess I was hoping for a little inside scoop of the actual romantic life of a rugby player. ~sigh~
Anna, the doctor, was extremely frustrating. Granted, she was trying to do the right thing but when you finally make a decision, stick with it, woman! *SMDH*
One of my favorite things was Nick's family...especially his sister, Trish. She was amazeballs, such an awesome sister and Nick would've been lost without her.
I also had an issue with Stuart Reardon being included in the story. I mean, wasn't he already Nick? It was just weird.
Overall, I'm glad I read it even if I wasn't crazy about it. They're doing another book, Model Boyfriend, coming out in the fall and I will probably check that out as well because, you know, curiosity killed the cat and all that. ;)
January 21, 2018
I've been kindly given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.
When your world crashes down...
When they all say you’re out...
When your body is broken...
I will rise.
I will return.
And I will be undefeated.
5 Undefeated stars
You will live it. You will dream it. You will fall head over heel in love with it.
It’s been nothing like I expected. Rather let me reformulate: I expected something good as I know Jane Harvey-Berrick’s writing and am a fan. I did not expect that intensity!
Let’s go very quick over the plot as I really want to delve into what made this books so powerful.
Nick Renshaw is a professional rugby player of 26 years old at the beginning of the book. He just signed with a first league club. His future seems bright and he will propose his girlfriend Molly.
The first bump comes with an injury suffered in his last match at his former club. Nick will have surgery but will never feel he recovered totally and it will play with his head hindering his progress in his new club.
The club sends Nick to a psychologist specialized in athletes. Dr Anna Scott is really dedicated to her profession. She is American and moved to England to have a fresh start after a sordid affair. There is instant attraction between Anna and Nick but Nick is loyal and engaged whereas Anna has a strict no dating patient rule. They will form a friendship of sort but nothing more.
On a fatefull day Nick’s world will crumble and he’ll make a very bad and violent decision that will lead to serious consequences and have him lose everything he had worked so hard to achieve. Broken he will need someone to drag him out and have him rise again. Will Anna be able to help him and at what price for them both?
What makes this book so powerful?
Usually when you read a sportsromance you read a romance and you read ABOUT the sport.
For two days I ATE, BREATHED and LIVED rugby. I was running on the field among my mates. I was soaking in ice baths to have my muscle recover from their micro trauma. I was swallowing ibuprofens to help my battered body to recover.
For two days I was Nick.
I went through incredible highs and then incredible lows. I was battered physically and emotionally. I thought my life was finished. I was desperate then numb. “Because what am I, if I don’t have rugby?” Until that spark was re-ignited again thanks to Anna. Until I trained like mad and fought like a lion to get reborn like a phoenix and rise …undefeated.
What Stuart Reardon and jane Harvey Berrick achieved was a sportsromance story like none other. I never thought I would enjoy reading the technical aspects of rugby and yet I found them fascinating. We got a unique insight of what being a professional athlete is means. Not the glitter and glamour that we usually read about but the day to day humbling task of building your body and hone it to make it a war machine.
The work, the courage and the dedication these athletes push into their passion is admirable.
Nick Renshaw was a formidable hero. Beneath his hot bod with bulging muscles, raven-dark hair and tattoos lies a truly good man. He was “raised right” by his mom. He had an incredibly supportive family. Having left school at sixteen and working in a factory for two years he was not the typical cocky hero. He was handsome, supportive, passionate, hard-working, solid and humble.
Yes he made a huge mistake that will be the beginning of his descent in Hell. Stuart and Jane described perfectly what it does to someone to see his dreams shattered. The destructive path you can follow just to be numb. Just to stop suffering. Just to forget.
“He was slowly and methodically falling apart. Maybe for some people breakdowns came quickly, shatteringly fast. For Nick, it was a slow descent, like walking through swampy ground. Each footstep sucked you down, deeper and deeper, sucking the life out of you, one slow step at a time, until you couldn’t move. “
But no other hero has ever been more deserving of a second chance than Nick. Because he’s been destroyed and he clawed his way out of his dark pit.
We have two points of view in the story and Anna was a fantastic heroine. She was real. She was flawed. For all her expertise and dedication in her fieldwork she had her own secrets and made her own mistake making her relatable and loveable.
Nick won’t be the only one smashed to pieces in this story. Anna will be crushed. “Anna’s future scrolled in front of her: humiliation, public shame, disgrace, dishonour. Her integrity, gone. Her livelihood, gone. Everything she’d worked for, gone. “
This is a lesson of courage, determination and endurance. A romance story and a tale of redemption and determination.
Not only was I fascinated by Nick’s journey but the romance between Nick and Anna was excellent.
When Nick and Anna meet the attraction is undeniable and sparks fly by. “Even clothed, he exuded raw power, a sensuous magnetism that threatened to derail her thoughts.” When they’ll succumb…you will have incredibly HOT scenes. One in particular in the physio room left me in need of a cold shower!!!
You will be swept off your feet by their romance and the power of their attraction. But love does NOT solve everything. You need to work for what you want. You need to fight back. When you’ve been in the pit of despair and worked to conquer everything and everyone back your victory will be incomparable.
And what a glorious finish!
If you love intense sportsromance featuring a battered bruised but triumphant hero and a courageous relatable heroine just one click already. You will live it. You will dream it. You will fall head over heel in love with it. You can thank me with chocolate 😉
********
Now this book holds some really inspirational quotes and I can’t resist to share some more with you to show you why I think Nick is a formidable hero:
When your world crashes down . . . When they all say you’re out . . . When your mind is broken . . . I will rise . . . I will return . . . And I will be undefeated.
For every person who said he wouldn’t make it, he’d prove them wrong. For every person who’d encouraged him and believed in him, he’d prove them right.
His moment. His day. His life. His eyes searched for Anna’s in the crowd, and his heart filled with a fierce joy. Today he’d made her proud and made his country proud. And most of all, he’d made himself proud. Today, he’d won. Today, he was undefeated.
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April 18, 2018
DNF at %35.
Borderline boring, slow and annoying. My time is more precious than my money...
Borderline boring, slow and annoying. My time is more precious than my money...
December 28, 2017
Let me first just say that Stuart Reardon is so much more than just a handsome face. I didn't know what to expect from his collaboration with Jane Harvey-Berrick, but knowing Jane's work intimately I knew to expect something of quality. And then I started it. And I quickly realized oh this book would clearly be more than quality. And it is. It is extraordinary. I was immediately pulled into Nick Renshaw's world of rugby and never looked back. And as the name suggests, it truly is the story of one man's quest to not only be undefeated on the field but in his heart as well.
Although for me I truly felt this was Nick's journey, the love story that emerges between Nick and Anna is clearly at the heart of this book. Their forbidden romance because she is his rugby team's psychologist is full of angst but it is also filled with trust, respect and most of all the ultimate solace when each of their worlds blows apart when they are found out. Even when kept apart by circumstances out of their control, there is strong tether between each of their hearts that won't simply go away because rules dictated their future. The heartache I felt for both Nick and Anna, whether it was because of lies told or injuries sustained was deep for me. I was so invested in their lives it was hard to not shed a tear or twenty because of their fast-changing circumstances.
The backdrop of rugby even when there is a boatload of foreign jargon being tossed about in almost every chapter was fascinating to me. As an American, I felt a bond with Anna, learning together about the ins and outs of this sometimes very brutal sport and quickly becoming a fan, when I've never even watched one match! With Stuart Reardon's vast knowledge of the rugby world, the adage of writing what you know was clearly the way to go for his debut work since his experience as a former star player made this book that much more captivating.
Jane Harvey-Berrick and Stuart Reardon write seamlessly together. There is so much to absorb but I savored every word. Even though this book is quite lengthy it never felt that way. I was never bored nor was I prone to skimming, something I do when many passages in a book seem redundant. With Undefeated I was fully immersed in every single sentence, feeling almost bereft that it came to an end. It is quite the voyage through the eyes of both Nick and Anna. From doctor/patient to friends through email and then to lovers, they have certainly one helluva tale to tell. To say it is unputdownable is an understatement.
So don't be fooled that this is yet another attempt by a cover model to jump on the romance bandwagon. This is writing at its very best and I look forward to more collaborations from these two in the future.
5 HUGE STARS!!
Although for me I truly felt this was Nick's journey, the love story that emerges between Nick and Anna is clearly at the heart of this book. Their forbidden romance because she is his rugby team's psychologist is full of angst but it is also filled with trust, respect and most of all the ultimate solace when each of their worlds blows apart when they are found out. Even when kept apart by circumstances out of their control, there is strong tether between each of their hearts that won't simply go away because rules dictated their future. The heartache I felt for both Nick and Anna, whether it was because of lies told or injuries sustained was deep for me. I was so invested in their lives it was hard to not shed a tear or twenty because of their fast-changing circumstances.
The backdrop of rugby even when there is a boatload of foreign jargon being tossed about in almost every chapter was fascinating to me. As an American, I felt a bond with Anna, learning together about the ins and outs of this sometimes very brutal sport and quickly becoming a fan, when I've never even watched one match! With Stuart Reardon's vast knowledge of the rugby world, the adage of writing what you know was clearly the way to go for his debut work since his experience as a former star player made this book that much more captivating.
Jane Harvey-Berrick and Stuart Reardon write seamlessly together. There is so much to absorb but I savored every word. Even though this book is quite lengthy it never felt that way. I was never bored nor was I prone to skimming, something I do when many passages in a book seem redundant. With Undefeated I was fully immersed in every single sentence, feeling almost bereft that it came to an end. It is quite the voyage through the eyes of both Nick and Anna. From doctor/patient to friends through email and then to lovers, they have certainly one helluva tale to tell. To say it is unputdownable is an understatement.
So don't be fooled that this is yet another attempt by a cover model to jump on the romance bandwagon. This is writing at its very best and I look forward to more collaborations from these two in the future.
5 HUGE STARS!!
January 23, 2018
English / Português
3,5 stars
Curiosity. That's what attracted me most to read UNDEFEATED. I have read a few books by Jane, however, being the first book by Stuart Reardon, a former Rugby player and current model among other things - including covers of authors we know and love - I was extremely curious about this partnership. And it was a good surprise. I liked them together.
The book tells the story of rugby player Nick Renshaw, who had just been hired by a great team. However, in his last game on the old team, he hurt in a way that could end his career. Afraid not to play anymore, apart from improving the physique, Nick also needs help on the psychological side. Anna, a psychologist specializing in helping players, is the chosen one. However, what began with a professional relationship ends up breaking down barriers and becoming something more.
Both Nick and Anna were great characters. The story shows the conflicts in a relationship in that environment and in everything it entails. The authors also didn't focus on just that, the book has enough drama. I felt sorry for Nick several times. As for Anna, I was very angry at everything that happened to her. I wouldn't be able to deal with everything the way she coped. What I liked the most was that although young, around 26 years old, both were very mature, determined. And I loved the fact that they were both passionate about their professions.
What bothered me the most about this story is that it is something that doesn't really bother a lot of people. I confess I don't enjoy stories written in 3rd person and this made me take too long on my reading. I find it much harder to connect with the characters like that. I don't get in the story so easy. And that, certainly was what made the difference in me rating this book.
The story is good. Stuart's baggage is clearly seen in the book, both in relation to the games and the feelings toward his profession making this book of sports/romance very well grounded. I think some games were too detailed, and for those who don't know much about it - as me - can be a bit lost. The middle of the book got a little slow, but soon after that the story gained strength again holding us till the end.
Both hero and heroine are charismatic. We hope that, after all the drama - and there is a lot - everything works out. UNDEFEATED, has a romance that happens gradually and also is about recovery. From accepting what happened and going forward. Things happen and we have to learn to deal with the new situation.
I thought the book was a standalone, but Jane wrote at the end of the book that by the end of the year we will have MODEL BOYFRIEND continuing the story of Nick and Anna. I really enjoyed the book, I loved the partnership of Jane and Stuart bringing a very mature story, without overdo. I hope to read much more of these two together.
*An ARC was provided by the authors and Ardent PRose. Thank you!
----------------
English / Português
3,5 estrelas
Curiosidade. Foi isso que mais me atraiu para ler UNDEFEATED. Já li alguns livros da Jane, entretanto, por ser o primeiro livro de Stuart Reardon, ex-jogador de Rugby e atual modelo dentre outras coisas - inclusive de capas de autoras que conhecemos e amamos - fiquei extremamente curiosa com essa parceria. E foi uma boa surpresa. Gostei dos dois juntos.
O livro conta a história do jogador de Rugby, Nick Renshaw, que acabara de ser contratado por um grande time. Entretanto, em seu ultimo jogo no antigo time, ele machucou de uma maneira que poderia acabar com sua carreira. Com medo não jogar mais, além de melhorar o físico, Nick também precisa de ajuda no lado psicológico. Anna, uma psicologa especializada em ajudar jogadores, é a escolhida. Entretanto, o que começou com uma relação profissional acaba quebrando barreiras e se transformando em algo mais.
Tanto Nick quando Anna foram ótimos personagens. A história mostra os conflitos em um relacionamento nesse meio e em tudo que acarreta. Os autores também não focaram só nisso, o livro tem bastante drama. Fiquei com pena de Nick em várias partes. Quanto a Anna fiquei com muita raiva com tudo que aconteceu com ela. Eu não conseguiria lidar com tudo assim dá maneira que ela lidou. O que mais gostei foi que apesar de novos, por volta dos 26 anos, ambos eram bem maduros, decididos. E amei o fato de ambos serem apaixonados por suas profissões.
O que mais me incomodou nessa história é algo, na verdade, que não costuma incomodar muita gente. Confesso que não curto histórias escritas em 3ª pessoa e isso me fez demorar um pouco na leitura. Acho bem mais difícil de conectar com os personagens assim. Não entro tanto na história. E isso, com certeza foi o que fez a diferença em minha nota nesse livro.
A história é boa. A bagagem do Stuart é vista claramente no livro, tanto em relação os jogos e como se sentia em relação a profissão tornando esse livro de romance esportivo muito bem fundamentado. Acho que algumas partidas foram detalhas até demais, e pra quem não conhece muito do jogo - eu - pode ficar meio perdido. O meio do livro ficou um pouco lento, mas logo depois a história ganhou força novamente nos prendendo até o final.
Os personagens são carismáticos. A gente torce para que, depois de todo drama - e tem muito - tudo dê certo. UNDEFEATED, além do romance de forma gradativa, trata também da recuperação. De aceitar o que aconteceu e ir em frente. As coisas acontecem e a gente tem que aprender a se virar com a nova situação.
Achava que o livro era único, mas a Jane avisa no final do livro que no final do ano teremos MODEL BOYFRIEND dando continuidade a história de Nick e Anna. Gostei bastante do livro, adorei a parceria da Jane e Stuart trazendo uma historia bem madura, sem exagero. Espero ler muito mais desses dois juntos.
* Recebi um ARC dos autores e da Ardent PRose. Obrigada!
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January 23, 2018
I’m already a Jane Harvey-Berrick fan but I had a little trepidation going into this book with a debut author as a writing duo, no prejudices, I was just unsure what I’d find. Actually, what I did find was that the experience of Stuart Reardon brought a tangibility and raw-ness to the sports element of this book that made it unique in the world of sports romance. So, I have come out of this unsure where each author started and finished in terms of quality of writing (that was good) but with some inkling of the sports side of things that came from Stuart Reardon. Big congratulations to both authors on this, I’m thrilled to have enjoyed it so much.
UNDEFEATED is a sports romance with a forbidden element, it was a compelling story with a believable slow build of connection between injured rugby player, Nick and sports psychologist, Anna. The character of Nick was written with such depth, his frustration, his emotions, his anger and his injuries, and I truly got lost in the reality of the read. Anna was likeable if a little weak in her intentions to stay away. I hated the demise of both Nick and Anna at different junctures because I had quickly become on their side; I couldn’t look away when things unraveled.
“I will rise...
I will return...
and I will be undefeated.”
Things I loved about this book were the narratives on injury and that Nick wasn’t at the top of his game. So many sports romances are about the top team, top player and this difference was refreshing. I loved to hate some of the side characters.
This was quite an angsty and intense read at times and it takes the reader on something of an emotional roller coaster (a few times). I’m really looking forward to see what this author duo might do with this characters in the next book but don’t worry, this book stands alone as it is for now.
A copy of this book was provided by the authors in return for a honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
UNDEFEATED is a sports romance with a forbidden element, it was a compelling story with a believable slow build of connection between injured rugby player, Nick and sports psychologist, Anna. The character of Nick was written with such depth, his frustration, his emotions, his anger and his injuries, and I truly got lost in the reality of the read. Anna was likeable if a little weak in her intentions to stay away. I hated the demise of both Nick and Anna at different junctures because I had quickly become on their side; I couldn’t look away when things unraveled.
“I will rise...
I will return...
and I will be undefeated.”
Things I loved about this book were the narratives on injury and that Nick wasn’t at the top of his game. So many sports romances are about the top team, top player and this difference was refreshing. I loved to hate some of the side characters.
This was quite an angsty and intense read at times and it takes the reader on something of an emotional roller coaster (a few times). I’m really looking forward to see what this author duo might do with this characters in the next book but don’t worry, this book stands alone as it is for now.
A copy of this book was provided by the authors in return for a honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
September 16, 2019
unfortunately this one is a DNF for me… I am throwing in the towel at 30% because I simply can’t continue on… I wanted to love this book, I really did… I started watching recently “All or nothing New Zealand All Blacks” documentary on Amazon Prime about the famous rugby team and I am loving it :) so naturally that put me in a mood to read a story about a rugby player… I found this one already on my Kindle and decided to give it a go… but it’s just not for me… the writing style is pretty simple and not very engaging… it’s in third person and I think it would have been better in first person… I don’t really care about either of the main characters at this point… not to mention the fact that we still know very little about the heroine… Nick seems too old and at the same time too young for his 27 years… at the beginning of the story he’s in a relationship with another woman that went on for too long for my liking... if I would ever give this duo of authors another try, it would have to be a story highly recommended by a trusted friend of mine… now let me share all the spoilery reasons why I feel the way I feel about this story so you can make up your own mind about reading it...
if you already read and loved this book, I’m glad for you :) I really am :) this one just wasn’t for me, and that’s ok… if we would love the same stories all the time, life would be boring :)
XOXO
A
if you already read and loved this book, I’m glad for you :) I really am :) this one just wasn’t for me, and that’s ok… if we would love the same stories all the time, life would be boring :)
XOXO
A
January 6, 2019
2.5 stelline
Senza infamia e senza lode...
Ero davvero curiosa di leggere questo libro, sia perchè è una collaborazione tra una brava scrittrice di romance e un uomo, sia perchè è uno sport romance, genere che mi piace molto.
Anche se lo sport in questione è il rugby, non tra i miei preferiti.
Prima di partire sono andata a cercarmi un po' chi fosse questo Stuart, e le premesse per un buon libro c'erano tutte... ma è tutto piatto.
Non è che inserire tutti quei drammoni serva a risollevare la situazione, anzi, è tutto troppo pesante. E i personaggi non aiutano, salviamo Nick, ma Anna è una lagnosa ragazzina che fa tanto per aiutare gli altri a risollevarsi, ma lei sa solo scappare e piangersi addosso.
E poi che dire delle manie di protagonismo dell'autore? Capisco che Stuart sia un ex rugbista e quindi ha infarcito il testo di riferimenti sportivi, ma sono davvero esagerati. Pagine e pagine di spiegazioni tecniche, risultati sportivi.... che palle.
Poi non contento si è proprio messo lui nel libro! Come commentatore sportivo!
No comment
E per finire in bellezza, vedete quel tizio in copertina? Sapete chi è?
Indovinato! E' Stuart!
Dacci un taglio, caro mio, se no facevi prima a scrivere la tua autobiografia ed eravamo a posto!
Senza infamia e senza lode...
Ero davvero curiosa di leggere questo libro, sia perchè è una collaborazione tra una brava scrittrice di romance e un uomo, sia perchè è uno sport romance, genere che mi piace molto.
Anche se lo sport in questione è il rugby, non tra i miei preferiti.
Prima di partire sono andata a cercarmi un po' chi fosse questo Stuart, e le premesse per un buon libro c'erano tutte... ma è tutto piatto.
Non è che inserire tutti quei drammoni serva a risollevare la situazione, anzi, è tutto troppo pesante. E i personaggi non aiutano, salviamo Nick, ma Anna è una lagnosa ragazzina che fa tanto per aiutare gli altri a risollevarsi, ma lei sa solo scappare e piangersi addosso.
E poi che dire delle manie di protagonismo dell'autore? Capisco che Stuart sia un ex rugbista e quindi ha infarcito il testo di riferimenti sportivi, ma sono davvero esagerati. Pagine e pagine di spiegazioni tecniche, risultati sportivi.... che palle.
Poi non contento si è proprio messo lui nel libro! Come commentatore sportivo!
No comment
E per finire in bellezza, vedete quel tizio in copertina? Sapete chi è?
Indovinato! E' Stuart!
Dacci un taglio, caro mio, se no facevi prima a scrivere la tua autobiografia ed eravamo a posto!
August 2, 2020
DNF for my own personal reasons.
January 11, 2019
Lo sport è troppo presente e pressante in questo libro con troppi dettagli che l'autore poteva risparmiarsi ...direi che tutta la passione che ha messo nel descrivere il rugby la doveva concentrare nella storia d'amore fra i protagonisti almeno ci sarebbe stato quel qualcosa in più che avrebbe fatto la differenza
January 26, 2018
4 STARS!
Nick is a professional rugby player whose world comes crashing down when he suffers a potentially career-ending injury. His club sends him to sports psychologist Dr. Anna Scott to help him get back in the game, so to speak. Of course, sparks fly between them. ;)
It was Nick who made this book for me. He was such a good guy; sweet, dedicated to his sport, and hot, hot, hot! The cover on this one fits his description to a T. ~fans self~ (Did I mention he's a rugby player? A British rugby player?) Sorry, I got caught up in the moment....
I digress.
Nick's absolute devastation bled from between the pages as his career seemingly slipped through his fingers. The writing in this regard was fabulous; I cried for him, I raged with him, I definitely felt it when he hit rock bottom.
And then the shift in the feel of the story when he met Anna was wonderful. She was like a breath of fresh air for him. Unfortunately, I wasn't as much of a fan of Anna as Nick was. To me, she wasn't the strongest of heroines. Yes, I understand that she had her issues, but I hated the way she helped everyone except herself, and I wanted her to show more loyalty, more love, more devotion to Nick.
I also thought there were a lot of people in the story who didn't get what was coming to them....a certain female character (sorry, no spoilers!), a certain male character, the doctor, Anna's parents, the club, the media, the justice system (okay, maybe the last ones are a bit much, but still). They were all let off the hook and it left me feeling childishly unsatisfied - because who doesn't enjoy a good comeuppance?
However, if you are a mature adult, unlike me, this may be a 5 star read for you!
Here's my favorite quote:
"I've always thought that being nice is undervalued."There was A LOT to like in Undefeated! It was solidly written, and I loved the passion for rugby that underscored the whole story.
Nick is a professional rugby player whose world comes crashing down when he suffers a potentially career-ending injury. His club sends him to sports psychologist Dr. Anna Scott to help him get back in the game, so to speak. Of course, sparks fly between them. ;)
It was Nick who made this book for me. He was such a good guy; sweet, dedicated to his sport, and hot, hot, hot! The cover on this one fits his description to a T. ~fans self~ (Did I mention he's a rugby player? A British rugby player?) Sorry, I got caught up in the moment....
I digress.
Nick's absolute devastation bled from between the pages as his career seemingly slipped through his fingers. The writing in this regard was fabulous; I cried for him, I raged with him, I definitely felt it when he hit rock bottom.
And then the shift in the feel of the story when he met Anna was wonderful. She was like a breath of fresh air for him. Unfortunately, I wasn't as much of a fan of Anna as Nick was. To me, she wasn't the strongest of heroines. Yes, I understand that she had her issues, but I hated the way she helped everyone except herself, and I wanted her to show more loyalty, more love, more devotion to Nick.
I also thought there were a lot of people in the story who didn't get what was coming to them....a certain female character (sorry, no spoilers!), a certain male character, the doctor, Anna's parents, the club, the media, the justice system (okay, maybe the last ones are a bit much, but still). They were all let off the hook and it left me feeling childishly unsatisfied - because who doesn't enjoy a good comeuppance?
However, if you are a mature adult, unlike me, this may be a 5 star read for you!
Here's my favorite quote:
She waited a beat but Nick was still floundering in the shallow end of confusion.
no-way-jose
January 25, 2018This book is not for me. Cheaters everywhere. Among other things.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 3, 2018
3.5 stars
Undefeated was a raw story - however, even if it almost read as a biography at times, I had difficulties truly enjoying the two main characters.
Undefeated was a raw story - however, even if it almost read as a biography at times, I had difficulties truly enjoying the two main characters.
January 17, 2018
***4.5 ‘I Will Rise. I Will Return’ Stars***
Have you ever finished a book where you were all kinds of swoony happy and yet ragey and irritated all at the same time??
Well...that’s me right now and it has been about 12 hrs since finishing the book and getting a decent night’s sleep in, so the struggle has been real with getting the words to cooperate. But the bottom line is I really enjoyed Undefeated. It gave me a huge case of emotional whiplash and redefined what hitting rock bottom is, but I loved the slow burn romance between Nick and Anna and experiencing all the highs and lows that they went through to get to their HEA.
Let’s start out with the goodness that is Nick and Anna. Nick is simply a good man. He loves what he gets to do for a living and gives his entire heart and soul to it and doesn’t take what he has for granted because he fully understands what his other option could be. Anna is starting over again and though the reason for the new beginning still hovers around her, she isn’t allowing it to put a damper on the gift she has been given. She’s ready to dive in and show that she is the best at what she does.
Their journey is all kinds of slow burning and all kinds of rocky (total understatement) but it is all worth it when they finally get their HEA. Considering the reason why Nick and Anna were in each other’s orbits to begin with, I really liked how things played out between the two of them. They had no choice but to get to know each other on a deeper level and with each glimpse they found that they genuinely liked what they were seeing. While there was attraction on both sides, there was nothing insta going on. I honestly liked them together, there was a flow to them that was simple and easy, even when the crackle of sexual tension surrounded them.
As for the whole ragey and irritated thing...I know I won’t be the only one who will feel this way about how certain things played out in the story, and as these things are huge parts of the story line, I can’t get into more detail, but my feels stem from my own “I know life isn’t fair, but still…” belief system. I get why things happened the way they did and I am in no way bashing the authors, in fact I have to applaud them for making me this worked up, but I still want to gut a few people with a spoon and have karma finish the job.
The main reason I pounced on reading this book was because it was set in the rugby world and one of the co-authors is an ex-rugby player. I love watching the sport even though I only know the absolute basics of the game which are: 1) I know what a try is and 2) I know that you can only pass the ball backwards. I know a few other things, but even those may not be right. So to have the opportunity to read a book and experience it all through the eyes of someone who lived and breathed it was something I couldn’t pass up and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Bonus (or should it be the rugby aspect is the bonus?) is the fact that the writing was well done. It was engaging and seamlessly put together. The pacing at times did drag a bit for me, but considering all that was going on it didn’t take away anything for me. All of the characters were well written, even the ones I didn’t care for, and I wouldn’t mind visiting them in future.
So, if you’re a rugby fan, love a slow burn romance with quite a few obstacles tossed in the MC’s path to get through then I definitely recommend you pick this baby up!
~ Copy provided by Ardent Prose PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
Have you ever finished a book where you were all kinds of swoony happy and yet ragey and irritated all at the same time??
Well...that’s me right now and it has been about 12 hrs since finishing the book and getting a decent night’s sleep in, so the struggle has been real with getting the words to cooperate. But the bottom line is I really enjoyed Undefeated. It gave me a huge case of emotional whiplash and redefined what hitting rock bottom is, but I loved the slow burn romance between Nick and Anna and experiencing all the highs and lows that they went through to get to their HEA.
Let’s start out with the goodness that is Nick and Anna. Nick is simply a good man. He loves what he gets to do for a living and gives his entire heart and soul to it and doesn’t take what he has for granted because he fully understands what his other option could be. Anna is starting over again and though the reason for the new beginning still hovers around her, she isn’t allowing it to put a damper on the gift she has been given. She’s ready to dive in and show that she is the best at what she does.
Their journey is all kinds of slow burning and all kinds of rocky (total understatement) but it is all worth it when they finally get their HEA. Considering the reason why Nick and Anna were in each other’s orbits to begin with, I really liked how things played out between the two of them. They had no choice but to get to know each other on a deeper level and with each glimpse they found that they genuinely liked what they were seeing. While there was attraction on both sides, there was nothing insta going on. I honestly liked them together, there was a flow to them that was simple and easy, even when the crackle of sexual tension surrounded them.
As for the whole ragey and irritated thing...I know I won’t be the only one who will feel this way about how certain things played out in the story, and as these things are huge parts of the story line, I can’t get into more detail, but my feels stem from my own “I know life isn’t fair, but still…” belief system. I get why things happened the way they did and I am in no way bashing the authors, in fact I have to applaud them for making me this worked up, but I still want to gut a few people with a spoon and have karma finish the job.
The main reason I pounced on reading this book was because it was set in the rugby world and one of the co-authors is an ex-rugby player. I love watching the sport even though I only know the absolute basics of the game which are: 1) I know what a try is and 2) I know that you can only pass the ball backwards. I know a few other things, but even those may not be right. So to have the opportunity to read a book and experience it all through the eyes of someone who lived and breathed it was something I couldn’t pass up and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Bonus (or should it be the rugby aspect is the bonus?) is the fact that the writing was well done. It was engaging and seamlessly put together. The pacing at times did drag a bit for me, but considering all that was going on it didn’t take away anything for me. All of the characters were well written, even the ones I didn’t care for, and I wouldn’t mind visiting them in future.
So, if you’re a rugby fan, love a slow burn romance with quite a few obstacles tossed in the MC’s path to get through then I definitely recommend you pick this baby up!
~ Copy provided by Ardent Prose PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
January 12, 2018
I already had the pleasure of meeting Stuart Reardon at a book convention and I think I will be repeating myself when I say that I love Jane Harvey-Berrick’s writing style. So when it came to my attention that those two would be writing together well it was a given that I needed to read that.
I am not sure how they shared their work but I think it is fair to assume that this detailed knowledge about Rugby and the emotions of the players is definitely coming from him and wow I would have never guessed that the injury rates are really that high - again wow. (but hey what do I know about this sport – nothing)
When it comes to the writing well let’s put it this way. I would have guessed that Ms. Harvey-Berrick was holding the pen and Mr. Reardon giving the input BUT after reading some of the explanations given within the book I am not so sure anymore. And after reading the book I think it actually really might have been both of them together.
I am not so much into sports novels I have to admit that in advance but this collaboration intrigued me. And I was not disappointed. To me it sounded and later also felt like professionals were at work in both writing and plot. Struggling at the beginning when I thought it was going too detailed into the sport itself - I was shortly after surprised about the emotional depth of this novel.
While it started with its focus on the sport the tables were turned rather quickly and the story became a romance but the sport was never lost during the way. Their journey from patient to lovers was remarkable. Against all obstacles, lies, deceit that tried to pull them apart the reader will love to follow them
It felt real and it felt like just the right amount of feeling for a novel of that kind. Still I have to admit that I did not cry and I did not laugh – so according to my own rules I am not allowed to give this book 5 stars – so damned if I do & damned if I don’t. Because the novel was perfect as it was. What can I say .. good thing I am CRAZY and those rules are mine …
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February 7, 2019
Ein Buch, das mich gut unterhalten hat.
Auch wenn die Story ab und an etwas gewollt rüberkam. Etwas viel Drama in relativ kurzer Zeit. Trotzdem mochte ich Nick, Anna wird jetzt allerdings nicht zu meiner Lieblingsprotagonistin ;)
Was mir auch gut gefallen hat, war die Kritik an den sozialen Medien bzw. dem Missbrauch dieser. Wie schnell etwas Falsches in Umlauf geraten kann und wie stark das die Leben der Betroffenen beeinflusst! Hätte ich in so einer Art Buch nicht erwartet. Das gibt definitiv einen Bonuspunkt!
Auch wenn die Story ab und an etwas gewollt rüberkam. Etwas viel Drama in relativ kurzer Zeit. Trotzdem mochte ich Nick, Anna wird jetzt allerdings nicht zu meiner Lieblingsprotagonistin ;)
Was mir auch gut gefallen hat, war die Kritik an den sozialen Medien bzw. dem Missbrauch dieser. Wie schnell etwas Falsches in Umlauf geraten kann und wie stark das die Leben der Betroffenen beeinflusst! Hätte ich in so einer Art Buch nicht erwartet. Das gibt definitiv einen Bonuspunkt!
January 5, 2019
"Quando il mondo ti cade addosso.
Quando dicono che sei finito.
Quando la tua mente è distrutta,
cerca di ripetere :io mi alzero' ,io tornerò e
sarò INVINCIBILE...."
Molto bello questo mantra,Nick un personaggio insolito,un atleta che ama il suo lavoro,fedele alla sua "ragazza",leale in amicizia,figlio e fratello amabile.Mi è piaciuta la forza e la determinazione con cui si e' rimesso in sesto e il suo modo di amare Anna. Lei forte e coraggiosa è andata avanti a testa alta nonostante tutto. Nobile il suo riscatto senza rancore verso chi ha distrutto il suo presente....
Ho trovato un po' esagerato l'accanimento mediatico verso i protagonisti, ma questo ci fa riflettere sulla pericolosità degli stessi e di come possono distruggere facilmente chiunque se manipolati con cattiveria ...
La cosa che mi è piaciuta piu' di tutto, senza se e senza ma ,è la copertina,un esemplare di homo sapiens con dei .....capelli meravigliosi ;)*..
Ho dato 4stelle, ma ne avrei aggiunta un'altra mezza se avessero sistemato a dovere la cara e acida Molly..
Quando dicono che sei finito.
Quando la tua mente è distrutta,
cerca di ripetere :io mi alzero' ,io tornerò e
sarò INVINCIBILE...."
Molto bello questo mantra,Nick un personaggio insolito,un atleta che ama il suo lavoro,fedele alla sua "ragazza",leale in amicizia,figlio e fratello amabile.Mi è piaciuta la forza e la determinazione con cui si e' rimesso in sesto e il suo modo di amare Anna. Lei forte e coraggiosa è andata avanti a testa alta nonostante tutto. Nobile il suo riscatto senza rancore verso chi ha distrutto il suo presente....
Ho trovato un po' esagerato l'accanimento mediatico verso i protagonisti, ma questo ci fa riflettere sulla pericolosità degli stessi e di come possono distruggere facilmente chiunque se manipolati con cattiveria ...
La cosa che mi è piaciuta piu' di tutto, senza se e senza ma ,è la copertina,un esemplare di homo sapiens con dei .....capelli meravigliosi ;)*..
Ho dato 4stelle, ma ne avrei aggiunta un'altra mezza se avessero sistemato a dovere la cara e acida Molly..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2018
I really enjoyed this collaboration between one of my favorite authors, Jane Harvey-Berrick, and new to me author Stuart Reardon. Anna and Nick were solid characters with some big problems. Some of said problems were unavoidable but were absolutely compounded by one spiteful, acrimonious bi**h called Molly. I so hoped a dump truck would knock her into a vat of battery acid. In all, some life altering problems overcome by likable characters, a solid plot and a lot of lovely grungy rugby.
January 7, 2019
Carino, ma niente di più. Non mi ha coinvolto in maniera particolare e devo dire che la narrazione in terza persona non ha aiutato affatto. A tratti è stato un po’ noioso e, nonostante le tante disavventure capitate ai due protagonisti, la storia a mio avviso non è risultata più avvincente. Tutto sommato l’ho trovato discreto, però non credo che lo rileggerei.
December 27, 2018
"È un bello sport. Uno sport duro. E anche nelle giornate migliori, il tuo corpo è sempre malridotto e pieno di lividi. È uno sport brutale che si svolge tra il sangue, il fango e la sporcizia. Vedi questa cicatrice sulla mia guancia? È stato il rugby. E questa sul mio sopracciglio? È stato il rugby. Ho un sacco di cicatrici. Ho tredici cicatrici sulle braccia, tutti segni della chirurgia. E sono segnate anche le ginocchia, la fronte, la nuca e persino le nocche delle mani. Mi hanno messo dei punti anche sulle palpebre, mi hanno operato a entrambe le spalle e mi sono rotto il naso due volte. Ho subito fratture a spirale alle mani… mi sono rotto le dita così tante volte che ho perso il conto. Ho dovuto affrontare la pulizia della cartilagine al ginocchio sinistro, due lacerazioni ai legamenti mediani di secondo grado a entrambe le ginocchia e altri tre interventi chirurgici per il tendine del tallone. Una volta mi sono ferito il labbro inferiore con i denti. Farsi mettere i punti in bocca non è tanto divertente. Fanno male quando mangi o parli. Non c’è niente di delicato nel rugby e forse è per questo che lo amo da morire."
.
Nick Renshaw è un giocatore di rugby professionista e sta per entrare in premiership con una nuova squadra ma, proprio nell’ultima partita, un incidente al tendine del tallone sembra mettere in discussione la sua possibilità di ritornare in campo. La lunga convalescenza e la faticosa ripresa degli allenamenti cominciano a minare anche il rapporto con la sua fidanzata, oltre che il suo morale. Le cose sembrano leggermente migliorare solo con l’aiuto di Anna, una psicologa sportiva, che lo sta aiutando a ritrovare dentro di sé la forza per reagire a questo brutto momento. Nonostante i duri allenamenti, e l’impegno con cui Nick lavora, i risultati non sono quelli sperati, e per il giocatore sembra necessario un altro pericoloso intervento. Ma è proprio in questo momento così delicato nella sua vita di atleta, che per lui le cose precipitano: una sfuriata che gli sfugge di mano e un’accusa orrenda lo fanno buttare fuori dalla squadra, e per lui sembra profilarsi la fine della sua carriera sportiva. Dopo aver toccato il fondo, però, si può solo risalire, e Nick è un uomo estremamente determinato, il suo desiderio di tornare a giocare e poter dimostrare il suo valore gli è di sprono. Anche il suo rapporto con Anna acquista ben altro valore nella sua vita, eppure questa volta sarà proprio il loro amore che li caccerà di nuovo in un mare di guai.
Se amate il rugby, questo è davvero il libro che fa per voi, c’è tanto di questo sport fra le sue pagine: partite sofferte, allenamenti intensi e vittorie duramente conquistate.
Non sono una patita di sport ma ho trovato le descrizioni davvero avvincenti e accurate, capaci di dare al lettore la sensazione di essere davvero in campo, arrancando nel fango e con la pioggia sul viso, che impedisce di vedere bene. Sicuramente sono basate sulle esperienze personali di Reardon, che ho scoperto essere stato davvero un giocatore professionista di rugby, oltre che modello. E se vi accingete a leggere questo libro davvero molto bello, tenete conto che il rugby ha una parte molto importante.
Detto questo, anche la caratterizzazione dei personaggi è molto buona, si percepisce l’amore del protagonista per questo sport duro e faticoso, il suo desiderio di arrivare fino in nazionale, la sua determinazione a rimettersi dall’infortunio e dal dramma che lo colpisce, nel momento in cui la rabbia di essere stato ingannato offusca per un attimo il suo controllo. Per quanto riguarda Anna, devo dire che ho faticato a trovare simpatia per il suo personaggio. Il suo fuggire di fronte all’attrazione che provava per Nick me l’hanno fatta amare di meno, l’ho trovata molto fredda e mi ha dato l’impressione che la sua carriera venisse prima di tutto. Eppure ho trovato profondamente ingiusto che alla fin fine lei abbia dovuto pagare molto caro l’essersi arresa all’amore. Molly, invece, vince sicuramente la palma di personaggio più odioso dell’intera storia.
È un libro che ha continue svolte e colpi di scena, nessun attimo di noia attende il lettore fra le sue pagine, ma non è un libro leggero, vi troverete situazioni difficili, un amore contrastato. Vi farà riflettere su quanto sia semplice riuscire a rovinare la vita delle persone e la loro reputazione, ma è anche un libro che lancia messaggi positivi: dopo una caduta rovinosa ci si può sempre risollevare. La volontà, l’aiuto delle persone che ti amano e la determinazione a non darla vinta al destino avverso possono portare a grandi risultati. Bellissimo e intenso, scritto davvero bene e capace di lasciare un messaggio pieno di speranza.
.
"Quando il mondo va in frantumi… Quando dicono che sei finito… Quando il tuo corpo è distrutto… Io mi rialzerò… Io tornerò… E sarò invincibile."
.
Lucia63 - per RFS
.
Nick Renshaw è un giocatore di rugby professionista e sta per entrare in premiership con una nuova squadra ma, proprio nell’ultima partita, un incidente al tendine del tallone sembra mettere in discussione la sua possibilità di ritornare in campo. La lunga convalescenza e la faticosa ripresa degli allenamenti cominciano a minare anche il rapporto con la sua fidanzata, oltre che il suo morale. Le cose sembrano leggermente migliorare solo con l’aiuto di Anna, una psicologa sportiva, che lo sta aiutando a ritrovare dentro di sé la forza per reagire a questo brutto momento. Nonostante i duri allenamenti, e l’impegno con cui Nick lavora, i risultati non sono quelli sperati, e per il giocatore sembra necessario un altro pericoloso intervento. Ma è proprio in questo momento così delicato nella sua vita di atleta, che per lui le cose precipitano: una sfuriata che gli sfugge di mano e un’accusa orrenda lo fanno buttare fuori dalla squadra, e per lui sembra profilarsi la fine della sua carriera sportiva. Dopo aver toccato il fondo, però, si può solo risalire, e Nick è un uomo estremamente determinato, il suo desiderio di tornare a giocare e poter dimostrare il suo valore gli è di sprono. Anche il suo rapporto con Anna acquista ben altro valore nella sua vita, eppure questa volta sarà proprio il loro amore che li caccerà di nuovo in un mare di guai.
Se amate il rugby, questo è davvero il libro che fa per voi, c’è tanto di questo sport fra le sue pagine: partite sofferte, allenamenti intensi e vittorie duramente conquistate.
Non sono una patita di sport ma ho trovato le descrizioni davvero avvincenti e accurate, capaci di dare al lettore la sensazione di essere davvero in campo, arrancando nel fango e con la pioggia sul viso, che impedisce di vedere bene. Sicuramente sono basate sulle esperienze personali di Reardon, che ho scoperto essere stato davvero un giocatore professionista di rugby, oltre che modello. E se vi accingete a leggere questo libro davvero molto bello, tenete conto che il rugby ha una parte molto importante.
Detto questo, anche la caratterizzazione dei personaggi è molto buona, si percepisce l’amore del protagonista per questo sport duro e faticoso, il suo desiderio di arrivare fino in nazionale, la sua determinazione a rimettersi dall’infortunio e dal dramma che lo colpisce, nel momento in cui la rabbia di essere stato ingannato offusca per un attimo il suo controllo. Per quanto riguarda Anna, devo dire che ho faticato a trovare simpatia per il suo personaggio. Il suo fuggire di fronte all’attrazione che provava per Nick me l’hanno fatta amare di meno, l’ho trovata molto fredda e mi ha dato l’impressione che la sua carriera venisse prima di tutto. Eppure ho trovato profondamente ingiusto che alla fin fine lei abbia dovuto pagare molto caro l’essersi arresa all’amore. Molly, invece, vince sicuramente la palma di personaggio più odioso dell’intera storia.
È un libro che ha continue svolte e colpi di scena, nessun attimo di noia attende il lettore fra le sue pagine, ma non è un libro leggero, vi troverete situazioni difficili, un amore contrastato. Vi farà riflettere su quanto sia semplice riuscire a rovinare la vita delle persone e la loro reputazione, ma è anche un libro che lancia messaggi positivi: dopo una caduta rovinosa ci si può sempre risollevare. La volontà, l’aiuto delle persone che ti amano e la determinazione a non darla vinta al destino avverso possono portare a grandi risultati. Bellissimo e intenso, scritto davvero bene e capace di lasciare un messaggio pieno di speranza.
.
"Quando il mondo va in frantumi… Quando dicono che sei finito… Quando il tuo corpo è distrutto… Io mi rialzerò… Io tornerò… E sarò invincibile."
.
Lucia63 - per RFS
January 18, 2018
I'm a die-hard fan of Jane Harvey-Berrick and her fantastic writing. I know her as a very versatile author who always comes up with unique and refreshing new ideas. So when she announced that she is writing a rugby romance novel with Stuart Reardon - a former professional athlete and now model and fitness coach - I was beyond excited and had certain hopes and expectations for this collaboration. What I didn't however expect was that it would touch me on so many levels and teach me a few important life lessons.
This is what I love about Jane's books. They always make you think and feel. What I truly appreciated as a reader was the valuable insight into rugby and a player's life - all the sacrifices these men are making, all the ups and downs they go through for the love of the sport. It's truly remarkable and makes me respect them even more. Those scenes during a rugby match gave me goosebumps - I could literally feel the energy crackling in the air and hear the roar of the crowd cheering their teams on. These moments were so palpable and vivid in my head.
This book is an inspiring story about a rugby player - Nick Renshaw - who goes through many trials and tribulations in his life - professionally and privately. Nick suffers a serios injury during a match that threatens his career before it even had a chance to take off. He starts spiralling downwards, feeling depressed, angry and disheartened. And if this wasn't enough to deal with he finds out that the people he trusted most have betrayed him. The only beacon of hope in this difficult time for him is Dr. Anna Scott, a beautiful and smart woman and a sports psychologist. She is the only person that could help him but Anna has her own dark secrets she is reluctant to share. Both know what's at risk if they cross the line. But how can something so wrong feel absolutely right? When Nick's past comes back to haunt him and threatens to destroy everything he and Anna have worked so hard for they will both have to remember the important mantra she once taught him:
When your world crashes down...
When they all say you’re out...
When your body is broken...
I will rise.
I will return.
And I will be undefeated.
I loved and admired Nick and Anna with all my heart. Both were amazing lead characters - two strong personalities who've suffered great defeat but also managed to rise again like a phoenix from the ashes. Nick is a true sportsman who lives and breathes rugby - it's his passion, his calling. Anna understands that and she is giving him support and assistance. The way they fell slowly but surely in love with each other unable to withstand the sizzling chemistry and special connection between them was beautiful to witness.
This book was an incredible journey I soon won't forget. I will always remember the messages it conveys: "Some people come into your life for a reason" and "Getting knocked down in life is a given. Getting up and moving forward is a choice."
Undefeated is a must-read you don't want to miss out on, trust me! If you're a fan of sports romance like I am than this story is right up your alley. Grab it and let Jane and Stuart put you under their spell. 5 well deserved stars for this new favorite!
This is what I love about Jane's books. They always make you think and feel. What I truly appreciated as a reader was the valuable insight into rugby and a player's life - all the sacrifices these men are making, all the ups and downs they go through for the love of the sport. It's truly remarkable and makes me respect them even more. Those scenes during a rugby match gave me goosebumps - I could literally feel the energy crackling in the air and hear the roar of the crowd cheering their teams on. These moments were so palpable and vivid in my head.
This book is an inspiring story about a rugby player - Nick Renshaw - who goes through many trials and tribulations in his life - professionally and privately. Nick suffers a serios injury during a match that threatens his career before it even had a chance to take off. He starts spiralling downwards, feeling depressed, angry and disheartened. And if this wasn't enough to deal with he finds out that the people he trusted most have betrayed him. The only beacon of hope in this difficult time for him is Dr. Anna Scott, a beautiful and smart woman and a sports psychologist. She is the only person that could help him but Anna has her own dark secrets she is reluctant to share. Both know what's at risk if they cross the line. But how can something so wrong feel absolutely right? When Nick's past comes back to haunt him and threatens to destroy everything he and Anna have worked so hard for they will both have to remember the important mantra she once taught him:
When your world crashes down...
When they all say you’re out...
When your body is broken...
I will rise.
I will return.
And I will be undefeated.
I loved and admired Nick and Anna with all my heart. Both were amazing lead characters - two strong personalities who've suffered great defeat but also managed to rise again like a phoenix from the ashes. Nick is a true sportsman who lives and breathes rugby - it's his passion, his calling. Anna understands that and she is giving him support and assistance. The way they fell slowly but surely in love with each other unable to withstand the sizzling chemistry and special connection between them was beautiful to witness.
This book was an incredible journey I soon won't forget. I will always remember the messages it conveys: "Some people come into your life for a reason" and "Getting knocked down in life is a given. Getting up and moving forward is a choice."
Undefeated is a must-read you don't want to miss out on, trust me! If you're a fan of sports romance like I am than this story is right up your alley. Grab it and let Jane and Stuart put you under their spell. 5 well deserved stars for this new favorite!
January 4, 2019
Per me sono 4,5 stelle. Mi è piaciuto molto questo libro e a differenza degli altri sport Romance l'ho trovato molto più realistico. Lui il protagonista non il solito donnaiolo egocentrico e pieno di sé ma ho visto proprio il sacrificio e l'amore per lo sport che non è sempre rose e fiori, ciò che c'è dietro, molta fatica e sudore e delusioni. mi è piaciuta Anna una donna seria nel proprio lavoro una donna che vuole realizzarsi ma che rischia per amore e perde tutto, ma si rialza. Mi è piaciuto questo amore tra di loro soprattutto quello di Nick per Anna, l'unica cosa che mi ha lasciato un po' di amaro e che avrei preferito un finale più positivo tipo Molly con un attacco di colite in diretta in uno dei suoi reality e poi sarei stata soddisfatta :-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2018
: I hold my fingers a bit when I start a new Harvey-Berrick book. While most of them are so truly wonderful and tear inducing that for me they are well deserved five star or solid A’s. But every so often I’ll read one that hits my hot button and I can’t even finish it. Undefeated is definitely the first, very much a thumbs up book.
I’m on her mailing list so I’ve seen for a while this book was written in collaboration with Stuart Reardon and I was wondering how it would flow and it flows wonderfully well together.
Nick Renshaw is a ruby player who shows a lot of promise. He gets offered a promotion to the big leagues. But during his last game with his current team he suffers a potential career ending injury which freaks him out as one can imagine. He has to have surgery to repair it. His live in girlfriend is a real nasty piece, real nasty and offers him no support whatsoever. He has the surgery which seems to be a success and moves up.
The team he will be playing for has hired Anna to help motivate the team. She is the one who will be working with Nick as he still has issues of fear. Personal note here – I’ve done major damage to both my legs and I can so relate to how fear can mess with the mind. I seem to have a permanent fear of falling as it was falls that led to the leg damage. So I was totally on board with Nick’s fears of reinjuring his foot. Now while there is a definite attraction between Nick and Anna, it is never acknowledged or acted on. Nick has a girlfriend he proposes to and Anna was burned very badly in the past because of a forbidden relationship and she has signed an agreement that eliminates any kind of fraternization with her patients.
Nick’s fears come fruition when it’s determined the first surgery was a failure and he will have to undergo another operation. As if that’s not bad enough, he discovers his now fiancé in ‘the act’ with his best friend right after he learns about the surgery. He has a total meltdown and this leads to him losing everything – and I mean everything. You name it and he lost it. He reaches the depth and then slowly begins to pull himself out by his finger nails. He’s lost his contract and reaches out to Anna. As he no longer is with the rugby club, he’s no longer her patient and they finally give in to their feeling for one another.
But Nick gets picked up for another team on his rise back up and once again, Anna is the one the team hired for his new team. But they are unable to deny their feelings this time round. This is basically the outline of the book.
I did a bit of research on Stuart Reardon and there is a lot in this book that could be taken out of his own life which for me, gave Undefeated even more points as he was a ruby player who himself suffered serious injuries. The reader knows for a fact that the game scenes are authentic. The love of the game itself isn’t just an author projecting, it’s quite literally (and how I hate that expression) how rugby players feel about their sport. My son played rugby until he got married and his wife stopped him and I think the average rugby player’s opinion is ‘football is for sissies.” It’s a very rough game and Nick has all kinds of scars he’s quite proud of.
Nick is a fantastic hero. While very confident in his abilities as a rugby player, it’s not so much the case about himself as a person. When as part of his therapy Anna asks him to list 3 things about himself he’s good at and I don’t want to spoil it, but I loved what he came up with. He’s the furthest thing from a ‘player.’ He’s remained faithful to his girlfriend even though she’s a class A bitch. Some readers might even find her a bit over top in her villainy but for me it worked. And Stuart Reardon is also the cover model so when picturing the hero in one’s mind, well – the hero looks exactly like the cover model and since the cover model is hot, hot, hot, this makes for yet another reason to adore this book. I can’t say enough how much I adore Nick. He’s fallen to the very bottom yet somehow manages to very slowly, very gradually pull himself up. He’s the definition of a survivor.
Anna is great too though not quite as much of a standout character as Nick. She went through a very dark time in her past herself that comes back to haunt her and it plays a very large roll in her extreme reluctance about getting involved with Nick.
The book is seamless between the two authors and makes for a most excellent partnership. By the looks of it they have plans for another book and I can’t wait.
If you’ve never tried this author before I will 100% guarantee that if you like sports romance than you will enjoy this book. 100%.
I’m on her mailing list so I’ve seen for a while this book was written in collaboration with Stuart Reardon and I was wondering how it would flow and it flows wonderfully well together.
Nick Renshaw is a ruby player who shows a lot of promise. He gets offered a promotion to the big leagues. But during his last game with his current team he suffers a potential career ending injury which freaks him out as one can imagine. He has to have surgery to repair it. His live in girlfriend is a real nasty piece, real nasty and offers him no support whatsoever. He has the surgery which seems to be a success and moves up.
The team he will be playing for has hired Anna to help motivate the team. She is the one who will be working with Nick as he still has issues of fear. Personal note here – I’ve done major damage to both my legs and I can so relate to how fear can mess with the mind. I seem to have a permanent fear of falling as it was falls that led to the leg damage. So I was totally on board with Nick’s fears of reinjuring his foot. Now while there is a definite attraction between Nick and Anna, it is never acknowledged or acted on. Nick has a girlfriend he proposes to and Anna was burned very badly in the past because of a forbidden relationship and she has signed an agreement that eliminates any kind of fraternization with her patients.
Nick’s fears come fruition when it’s determined the first surgery was a failure and he will have to undergo another operation. As if that’s not bad enough, he discovers his now fiancé in ‘the act’ with his best friend right after he learns about the surgery. He has a total meltdown and this leads to him losing everything – and I mean everything. You name it and he lost it. He reaches the depth and then slowly begins to pull himself out by his finger nails. He’s lost his contract and reaches out to Anna. As he no longer is with the rugby club, he’s no longer her patient and they finally give in to their feeling for one another.
But Nick gets picked up for another team on his rise back up and once again, Anna is the one the team hired for his new team. But they are unable to deny their feelings this time round. This is basically the outline of the book.
I did a bit of research on Stuart Reardon and there is a lot in this book that could be taken out of his own life which for me, gave Undefeated even more points as he was a ruby player who himself suffered serious injuries. The reader knows for a fact that the game scenes are authentic. The love of the game itself isn’t just an author projecting, it’s quite literally (and how I hate that expression) how rugby players feel about their sport. My son played rugby until he got married and his wife stopped him and I think the average rugby player’s opinion is ‘football is for sissies.” It’s a very rough game and Nick has all kinds of scars he’s quite proud of.
Nick is a fantastic hero. While very confident in his abilities as a rugby player, it’s not so much the case about himself as a person. When as part of his therapy Anna asks him to list 3 things about himself he’s good at and I don’t want to spoil it, but I loved what he came up with. He’s the furthest thing from a ‘player.’ He’s remained faithful to his girlfriend even though she’s a class A bitch. Some readers might even find her a bit over top in her villainy but for me it worked. And Stuart Reardon is also the cover model so when picturing the hero in one’s mind, well – the hero looks exactly like the cover model and since the cover model is hot, hot, hot, this makes for yet another reason to adore this book. I can’t say enough how much I adore Nick. He’s fallen to the very bottom yet somehow manages to very slowly, very gradually pull himself up. He’s the definition of a survivor.
Anna is great too though not quite as much of a standout character as Nick. She went through a very dark time in her past herself that comes back to haunt her and it plays a very large roll in her extreme reluctance about getting involved with Nick.
The book is seamless between the two authors and makes for a most excellent partnership. By the looks of it they have plans for another book and I can’t wait.
If you’ve never tried this author before I will 100% guarantee that if you like sports romance than you will enjoy this book. 100%.
January 14, 2018
Hey...
I guess I would have enjoyed much more if it wasnt in third person, I'd rather read first pov, buuut... in a way this book kept me thinking.
Nick is a very sweet man, he is devoted to his profession, he is in love with life and he has gone through some shit...
Anna is hardworking, she is determined and very professional. She is lovely and easy to like.
It's easy to see Jane's writing, with mature and grownups, there is no childish discussion, no silly arguments, and it's good to read about older couples.
There is a little of insecurity on some parts, there is also an ex, who happens to be a bitch and gives a little emotion - gets on everyone's nerves!
I understand absolutely nothing about rugby, but I did my research and along with the book I could get a better idea.
Jane, you are for sure on my top favorite authors, and I am really happy to have the opportunity to read your books!
Writing along with Stuart was a genius idea, because he is a very nice person and a handsome man! Easy on the eyes LOL
I guess I would have enjoyed much more if it wasnt in third person, I'd rather read first pov, buuut... in a way this book kept me thinking.
Nick is a very sweet man, he is devoted to his profession, he is in love with life and he has gone through some shit...
Anna is hardworking, she is determined and very professional. She is lovely and easy to like.
It's easy to see Jane's writing, with mature and grownups, there is no childish discussion, no silly arguments, and it's good to read about older couples.
There is a little of insecurity on some parts, there is also an ex, who happens to be a bitch and gives a little emotion - gets on everyone's nerves!
I understand absolutely nothing about rugby, but I did my research and along with the book I could get a better idea.
Jane, you are for sure on my top favorite authors, and I am really happy to have the opportunity to read your books!
Writing along with Stuart was a genius idea, because he is a very nice person and a handsome man! Easy on the eyes LOL
February 5, 2018
I will rise... I will return..... And I will be undefeated
Firstly this cover, I love it, brilliant cover choice for this story.
Undefeated is a good story that I found myself completely immersed both with the plot and the characters.
Undefeated is based on the story of a Rugby player Nick Renshaw who on his way up the ladder to bigger and better times in his game gets knocked down through an injury and from there Nicks world Spiral's.
Anna Scott is a sports psychologist who has also had her fare share of bad luck and down times and has moved from the U.S to the UK and is hoping for her practice to also take off and get more clients. Anna is approached by Nicks team coach to work with Nick following his injury.
There's instant attraction for both when they first meet but professionalism and the fact Nick has a girlfriend quickly squash any romantic notions. The girlfriend though lets talk about her, I love it when there's a character you just love to hate and this ones called Molly, a stereotypical self absorbed wag. So you could say this book evoked feelings it certainly evoked a dislike or certain characters lol
Anna was there for Nick in crisis and both of them slowly entered into a relationship that was forbidden in there working relationship.
In summary; a good read without heavy angst or drama focusing on the characters and a moral in the story of positive thinking, determination and rising above negativity and going for your goals and dreams, whether this be sport, love life or however its applied.
Undefeated has it's hot moments and is told in third person dual pov.
I loved the northern English twang from Nick, it's so refreshing for a reader like myself who reads so many American romances to read something in her own lingo, loved it!
Arc gratefully received by author for review purposes
http://www.bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
Firstly this cover, I love it, brilliant cover choice for this story.
Undefeated is a good story that I found myself completely immersed both with the plot and the characters.
Undefeated is based on the story of a Rugby player Nick Renshaw who on his way up the ladder to bigger and better times in his game gets knocked down through an injury and from there Nicks world Spiral's.
Anna Scott is a sports psychologist who has also had her fare share of bad luck and down times and has moved from the U.S to the UK and is hoping for her practice to also take off and get more clients. Anna is approached by Nicks team coach to work with Nick following his injury.
There's instant attraction for both when they first meet but professionalism and the fact Nick has a girlfriend quickly squash any romantic notions. The girlfriend though lets talk about her, I love it when there's a character you just love to hate and this ones called Molly, a stereotypical self absorbed wag. So you could say this book evoked feelings it certainly evoked a dislike or certain characters lol
Anna was there for Nick in crisis and both of them slowly entered into a relationship that was forbidden in there working relationship.
In summary; a good read without heavy angst or drama focusing on the characters and a moral in the story of positive thinking, determination and rising above negativity and going for your goals and dreams, whether this be sport, love life or however its applied.
Undefeated has it's hot moments and is told in third person dual pov.
I loved the northern English twang from Nick, it's so refreshing for a reader like myself who reads so many American romances to read something in her own lingo, loved it!
Arc gratefully received by author for review purposes
http://www.bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
March 19, 2018
Buonasera lettrici!
Oggi vi parlo in anteprima della mia ultima lettura in lingua, mi riferisco a “Undefeated” di Stuart Reardon e Jane Harvey Berrick.
Nick Renshaw è un giocatore di rugby professionista che porta sul suo corpo le cicatrici di partite vinte e perse, per lui il rugby è qualcosa che lo definisce e lo completa.
Tutto sta andando a gonfie vele: ha una carriera promettente e presto si sposerà con la donna che ama, ma un grave infortunio durante l’ultima partita con la sua precedente squadra sarà l’inizio della fine.
La vita perfetta che Nick credeva di avere è una menzogna, la sua carriera è a rischio e le persone che credeva vicine non hanno fatto altro che mentirgli.
Ma quando tutto sembra perduto, uno spiraglio di luce si farà strada tra il dolore e il senso di sconfitta.
Nick sarà in grado di alzarsi e riprendere controllo della propria vita o tutto è perduto?
Questo è il primo libro che leggo di questi due autori e posso dire che sono rimasta piacevolmente soddisfatta.
Si tratta di uno sport-romance ambientato in Inghilterra.
Nick Renshaw è uno dei migliori giocatori di rugby inglese ed è stato preso da una delle migliori squadre del paese, ma durante l’ultima partita con la sua vecchia squadra è vittima di un grave infortunio che rischierà di mettere in pericolo la sua carriera.
Da lì la vita di Nick avrà un declino, la carriera in bilico e tradimenti che verranno a galla rischieranno di rovinarlo per sempre.
L’uomo forte, promettente e sicuro di sé che era, si trasformerà in una persona sconfitta e ferita nel profondo, che non crede più in nulla.
Un uomo distrutto che non ha più nulla per cui lottare. Ma quando sembra che stia per toccare il fondo, un ricordo si farà strada.
In tutto quel casino che ha portato allo sbaraglio la sua vita, una persona a suo modo gli è stata vicina e lui non ha mai avuto la possibilità di ringraziarla.
La Dottoressa Anna Scott, una donna dolce ed altruista che lo seguiva nella sua nuova squadra, una persona che gli ha fatto vedere che nulla è impossibile e che se ci credeva avrebbe superato quell’infortunio.
Ma oltre ad aiutarlo nella sua carriera, lei lo ha anche aiutato quando è dovuto andare in tribunale dopo ciò che era successo tra la sua ex ed il suo migliore amico. Ma in quel momento lui non era in sé e quindi non ha potuto mai ringraziarla.
L’attrazione che prova per lei si fa forte giorno dopo giorno, ma per quanto lui desideri una relazione con lei, Anna lo respinge.
Nick, nel frattempo, non rimane con le mani in mano. Si sta allenando per rimettersi in forma, facendo sì che quel grave infortunio non lo sconfigga, ma gli permetta di rialzarsi più forte.
“Facendo un profondo respiro, seguì il coach nella stanza degli allenamenti. Una possibilità. Solo una possibilità per farcela. La determinazione di Nick era una cosa viva, lo spingeva, bisognosa di successo. Lui l’avrebbe fatto: senza paura. Pensalo. Vedilo. Credici. Fallo.”
Tra i due ho preferito di gran lunga Nick! Devo ammettere che non mi è piaciuta molto Anna, l’ho trovata un po’ immatura e remissiva.
Quando si dovevano fare delle scelte, ha scelto sempre quella più semplice, dandosi delle scuse e non combattendo per ciò che realmente desiderava.
Nel corso della narrazione vedremo un gran cambiamento, ma comunque per me il personaggio più bello e profondo è Nick.
La loro storia ha un inizio semplice, da un rapporto paziente-dottore è passato ad amicizia, in quanto i due per diverso tempo si sono sentiti per e-mail, parlando di tutto e nulla, tanto da riuscire a far risalire dal baratro Nick.
Andando avanti la loro attrazione è forte e bollente, per entrambi è difficile non dare sfogo alla propria passione, ma c’è sempre qualcosa che blocca uno dei due.
“Lei sospirò. Mesi dopo riusciva ancora a ricordarsi il suo sapore, il modo in cui i suoi occhi si facevano più profondi quando la toccava, il modo in cui lui si muoveva in lei.”
Il fatto che la loro storia ha avuto tempo per crescere è un elemento che ho adorato. I due erano attratti l’uno dall’altra già quando si erano incontrati, ma non avevano mai approfondito.
La loro storia si crea con il passare del tempo, dopotutto ci sono molti ostacoli da superare per entrambi i protagonisti. Devono fare delle scelte e decidere cosa sia più importante per loro.
“Dio come la voleva. E adesso che aveva avuto un altro assaggio la voleva ancora di più. Si stava tenendo con la punta delle dita, solo il suo disgusto per come l’aveva usata lo fermava dal correre indietro da lei e prenderla di nuovo.”
Questa è una storia che parla di seconde possibilità, di riuscire a rialzarsi anche quando non sembra che ci sia più speranza e lottare fino alla fine.
Con questo vi saluto e spero di avervi incuriosite,
a presto.
Oggi vi parlo in anteprima della mia ultima lettura in lingua, mi riferisco a “Undefeated” di Stuart Reardon e Jane Harvey Berrick.
Nick Renshaw è un giocatore di rugby professionista che porta sul suo corpo le cicatrici di partite vinte e perse, per lui il rugby è qualcosa che lo definisce e lo completa.
Tutto sta andando a gonfie vele: ha una carriera promettente e presto si sposerà con la donna che ama, ma un grave infortunio durante l’ultima partita con la sua precedente squadra sarà l’inizio della fine.
La vita perfetta che Nick credeva di avere è una menzogna, la sua carriera è a rischio e le persone che credeva vicine non hanno fatto altro che mentirgli.
Ma quando tutto sembra perduto, uno spiraglio di luce si farà strada tra il dolore e il senso di sconfitta.
Nick sarà in grado di alzarsi e riprendere controllo della propria vita o tutto è perduto?
Questo è il primo libro che leggo di questi due autori e posso dire che sono rimasta piacevolmente soddisfatta.
Si tratta di uno sport-romance ambientato in Inghilterra.
Nick Renshaw è uno dei migliori giocatori di rugby inglese ed è stato preso da una delle migliori squadre del paese, ma durante l’ultima partita con la sua vecchia squadra è vittima di un grave infortunio che rischierà di mettere in pericolo la sua carriera.
Da lì la vita di Nick avrà un declino, la carriera in bilico e tradimenti che verranno a galla rischieranno di rovinarlo per sempre.
L’uomo forte, promettente e sicuro di sé che era, si trasformerà in una persona sconfitta e ferita nel profondo, che non crede più in nulla.
Un uomo distrutto che non ha più nulla per cui lottare. Ma quando sembra che stia per toccare il fondo, un ricordo si farà strada.
In tutto quel casino che ha portato allo sbaraglio la sua vita, una persona a suo modo gli è stata vicina e lui non ha mai avuto la possibilità di ringraziarla.
La Dottoressa Anna Scott, una donna dolce ed altruista che lo seguiva nella sua nuova squadra, una persona che gli ha fatto vedere che nulla è impossibile e che se ci credeva avrebbe superato quell’infortunio.
Ma oltre ad aiutarlo nella sua carriera, lei lo ha anche aiutato quando è dovuto andare in tribunale dopo ciò che era successo tra la sua ex ed il suo migliore amico. Ma in quel momento lui non era in sé e quindi non ha potuto mai ringraziarla.
L’attrazione che prova per lei si fa forte giorno dopo giorno, ma per quanto lui desideri una relazione con lei, Anna lo respinge.
Nick, nel frattempo, non rimane con le mani in mano. Si sta allenando per rimettersi in forma, facendo sì che quel grave infortunio non lo sconfigga, ma gli permetta di rialzarsi più forte.
“Facendo un profondo respiro, seguì il coach nella stanza degli allenamenti. Una possibilità. Solo una possibilità per farcela. La determinazione di Nick era una cosa viva, lo spingeva, bisognosa di successo. Lui l’avrebbe fatto: senza paura. Pensalo. Vedilo. Credici. Fallo.”
Tra i due ho preferito di gran lunga Nick! Devo ammettere che non mi è piaciuta molto Anna, l’ho trovata un po’ immatura e remissiva.
Quando si dovevano fare delle scelte, ha scelto sempre quella più semplice, dandosi delle scuse e non combattendo per ciò che realmente desiderava.
Nel corso della narrazione vedremo un gran cambiamento, ma comunque per me il personaggio più bello e profondo è Nick.
La loro storia ha un inizio semplice, da un rapporto paziente-dottore è passato ad amicizia, in quanto i due per diverso tempo si sono sentiti per e-mail, parlando di tutto e nulla, tanto da riuscire a far risalire dal baratro Nick.
Andando avanti la loro attrazione è forte e bollente, per entrambi è difficile non dare sfogo alla propria passione, ma c’è sempre qualcosa che blocca uno dei due.
“Lei sospirò. Mesi dopo riusciva ancora a ricordarsi il suo sapore, il modo in cui i suoi occhi si facevano più profondi quando la toccava, il modo in cui lui si muoveva in lei.”
Il fatto che la loro storia ha avuto tempo per crescere è un elemento che ho adorato. I due erano attratti l’uno dall’altra già quando si erano incontrati, ma non avevano mai approfondito.
La loro storia si crea con il passare del tempo, dopotutto ci sono molti ostacoli da superare per entrambi i protagonisti. Devono fare delle scelte e decidere cosa sia più importante per loro.
“Dio come la voleva. E adesso che aveva avuto un altro assaggio la voleva ancora di più. Si stava tenendo con la punta delle dita, solo il suo disgusto per come l’aveva usata lo fermava dal correre indietro da lei e prenderla di nuovo.”
Questa è una storia che parla di seconde possibilità, di riuscire a rialzarsi anche quando non sembra che ci sia più speranza e lottare fino alla fine.
Con questo vi saluto e spero di avervi incuriosite,
a presto.
January 29, 2018
I admit the reason I wanted to read I was curious on how Stuart Reardon's writing style. Plus the blurb does sound interesting even if I know little about rugby. As a fan of JHB's writing already I wonder how they split the writing and it would be combined. As a sports fan I'm eager to try a new sport in my reading.
Took me a while to get into it I had to get into the writing since I'm not used to it. Part two was better. I Even if I don't follow Rugby I understood the action. Nick's story is not uncommon in sports the injury and the after. It can make or break people and outcome unknown. I admire those who fight and keep on day by day it's hard. Nick struggled and hit a bad patch. I liked reading how he powered through with a little push from friends and family.
The work conflict between them yhe biggest hurdle relationship wise. Since fraternization is a no no. But that attraction hard to ignore and they connected well on many levels. Lots of drama on that end it was a focal part in the second half. There were some parts I felt were a bit much and dramatic but wouldn't know if it works that was in the UK.
I like guessing these things so think
Nick's pov I think is by Stuart and Anna is byJane. Since Nick is the athlete the way the sports action is written and the story seems to reflect the author in some ways. Not bad for a debut novel. I liked the story itself and it was entertaining enough the action to keep me interested till the end.
***Arc provided for an honest review ***
Took me a while to get into it I had to get into the writing since I'm not used to it. Part two was better. I Even if I don't follow Rugby I understood the action. Nick's story is not uncommon in sports the injury and the after. It can make or break people and outcome unknown. I admire those who fight and keep on day by day it's hard. Nick struggled and hit a bad patch. I liked reading how he powered through with a little push from friends and family.
The work conflict between them yhe biggest hurdle relationship wise. Since fraternization is a no no. But that attraction hard to ignore and they connected well on many levels. Lots of drama on that end it was a focal part in the second half. There were some parts I felt were a bit much and dramatic but wouldn't know if it works that was in the UK.
I like guessing these things so think
Nick's pov I think is by Stuart and Anna is byJane. Since Nick is the athlete the way the sports action is written and the story seems to reflect the author in some ways. Not bad for a debut novel. I liked the story itself and it was entertaining enough the action to keep me interested till the end.
***Arc provided for an honest review ***
August 23, 2019
OMG was für eine tolle und berührende Geschichte 🥺
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Ich hatte lange Zeit absolut keine Lust dieses Buch zu lesen, warum weiß ich selber nicht. Und jetzt könnt ich mir so hart in den Arsch treten dafür.
Nick und Anna sind zwei absolut fantastische und vor allem authentische Protagonisten. Nick, der nach einer Verletzung nicht mehr Rugby spielen kann, und der nach einem privaten Drama in ein tiefes Loch stürzt, war extrem am Boden. Hier wurde absolut nichts beschönigt und seine Verzweiflung wurde bis ins kleinste eklige Detail beschrieben😅 Und genau das hat diese Geschichte zu etwas sehr besonderen gemacht. Es wurde nichts schön geredet. Auch die Liebesgeschichte wurde realistisch beschrieben, und ich war so froh darüber. Hier ging gar nichts leicht. Es wurde uns hier gezeigt, wie einfach es ist ein Leben zu zerstören, mit einer einfachen Lüge. Wie Sensationsgeil die Leute sind und wie sehr wir uns von den Medien beeinflussen lassen. Es wurde nicht die einfachste Lösung genommen, sondern die realistischste. Und ich Feier es so sehr, den genau so läuft das Leben nun mal.
Ein extrem großartiges Buch welches ich jeden nur ans Herz legen kann.
.
Ich hatte lange Zeit absolut keine Lust dieses Buch zu lesen, warum weiß ich selber nicht. Und jetzt könnt ich mir so hart in den Arsch treten dafür.
Nick und Anna sind zwei absolut fantastische und vor allem authentische Protagonisten. Nick, der nach einer Verletzung nicht mehr Rugby spielen kann, und der nach einem privaten Drama in ein tiefes Loch stürzt, war extrem am Boden. Hier wurde absolut nichts beschönigt und seine Verzweiflung wurde bis ins kleinste eklige Detail beschrieben😅 Und genau das hat diese Geschichte zu etwas sehr besonderen gemacht. Es wurde nichts schön geredet. Auch die Liebesgeschichte wurde realistisch beschrieben, und ich war so froh darüber. Hier ging gar nichts leicht. Es wurde uns hier gezeigt, wie einfach es ist ein Leben zu zerstören, mit einer einfachen Lüge. Wie Sensationsgeil die Leute sind und wie sehr wir uns von den Medien beeinflussen lassen. Es wurde nicht die einfachste Lösung genommen, sondern die realistischste. Und ich Feier es so sehr, den genau so läuft das Leben nun mal.
Ein extrem großartiges Buch welches ich jeden nur ans Herz legen kann.
March 22, 2019
3.25 stars
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