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Seattle Steelheads Football #1
Kickoff: The Originals
Struggling pro football wide receiver Derek Ramsey was once Rachel McCormick's best friend and lover, and now they're forced together again.
Gifted with an uncanny ability for evaluating football talent and a dogged determination to succeed in a man's world, Rachel finally gets her chance in the pros as a staff member of the Seattle Steelheads. Her first assignment is to help Derek get his game back. While working with him on the field, she succumbs to the chemistry between them and spends a forbidden night in his arms.
The next day Derek has the best performance of his not-so illustrious career. Soon Derek and Rachel are racking up nights in bed, and the team is racking up wins. They're risking it all, but they can't resist each other. Not only is Rachel his coach, but Derek knows the truth behind a secret that destroyed her father years before.
Rachel and Derek are torn between love and duty, and the clock is winding down. It's fourth and goal, one second left in the game. The next play Derek makes must be for Rachel's heart.
Previously published as Fourth and Goal in 2011. This version has been extensively updated, re-titled, and edited.
Gifted with an uncanny ability for evaluating football talent and a dogged determination to succeed in a man's world, Rachel finally gets her chance in the pros as a staff member of the Seattle Steelheads. Her first assignment is to help Derek get his game back. While working with him on the field, she succumbs to the chemistry between them and spends a forbidden night in his arms.
The next day Derek has the best performance of his not-so illustrious career. Soon Derek and Rachel are racking up nights in bed, and the team is racking up wins. They're risking it all, but they can't resist each other. Not only is Rachel his coach, but Derek knows the truth behind a secret that destroyed her father years before.
Rachel and Derek are torn between love and duty, and the clock is winding down. It's fourth and goal, one second left in the game. The next play Derek makes must be for Rachel's heart.
Previously published as Fourth and Goal in 2011. This version has been extensively updated, re-titled, and edited.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2019
586 people are currently reading
916 people want to read
About the author
Jami Davenport
99 books1,171 followersSubscribe to my newsletter to receive a free novel and be notified of new releases, special sales, and contests: https://geni.us/JamiDavenportNews
USA Today bestselling author Jami Davenport writes sexy contemporary, new adult, and sports romances, including Gone Missing, Seattle Sockeyes, and The Scoring Series.
Jami lives on a small farm near Puget Sound with her Army Ranger-turned-plumber husband, a Newfoundland drool monster, and a prince disguised as an orange tabby cat.
Jami worked in IT for years and is also a former high school business teacher but recently achieved a life-long dream of being a full-time author. A horse lover since birth, Jami showed dressage horses for over thirty years. Now she gardens and goes glamping, along with other travelling adventures. She's a lifetime Seahawks and Mariners fan, and has season tickets to the Seattle Kraken hockey team. She still misses her SuperSonics.
An avid boater, Jami has spent countless hours in the San Juan Islands, a common setting in her books. In her opinion, it's the most beautiful place on earth.
USA Today bestselling author Jami Davenport writes sexy contemporary, new adult, and sports romances, including Gone Missing, Seattle Sockeyes, and The Scoring Series.
Jami lives on a small farm near Puget Sound with her Army Ranger-turned-plumber husband, a Newfoundland drool monster, and a prince disguised as an orange tabby cat.
Jami worked in IT for years and is also a former high school business teacher but recently achieved a life-long dream of being a full-time author. A horse lover since birth, Jami showed dressage horses for over thirty years. Now she gardens and goes glamping, along with other travelling adventures. She's a lifetime Seahawks and Mariners fan, and has season tickets to the Seattle Kraken hockey team. She still misses her SuperSonics.
An avid boater, Jami has spent countless hours in the San Juan Islands, a common setting in her books. In her opinion, it's the most beautiful place on earth.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
July 24, 2019
I was going to read the book since so far I have liked what I have read from this author, but I wasn't able to read past chapter two. Why? Here is exhibit #1:
"There were lots of things Rachel McCormick couldn’t forget. Topping the list was Derek Ramsey, her former longtime best friend and only-one-weekend lover. And not just any weekend lover, but the shatter-your-heart-never-slept-with-anyone-else-before-or-after type of lover."
So Rachel was a virgin before Derek and she didn't sleep with anyone for the last 5 years aka from the time she slept with Derek until the present time. That alarmed me and I started doing some research in my e-copy and I stumbled upon exhibit #2 and the nail in the coffin
"He’d never been one of those sex-crazed guys who had to have it several times a day, or even once a day. In fact, until she’d stumbled back into his life, he’d done quite well with once a week, if that. He went for quality, not quantity." Once a week means 52 per year which makes it 260 women, 250 to give him a break. Isn't it perfect when the "hero" is a manwhore and the heroine is oh so pure?
The story could break some stereotypes by having the heroine work in a male-dominated profession, but it had to be ruined by making her a nun for the last 5 years and him a walking STD. The worst part was that the first time they had sex (in present time) she even told Derek that there was no need for condom since she said he must clean. She should have had him tested.
"There were lots of things Rachel McCormick couldn’t forget. Topping the list was Derek Ramsey, her former longtime best friend and only-one-weekend lover. And not just any weekend lover, but the shatter-your-heart-never-slept-with-anyone-else-before-or-after type of lover."
So Rachel was a virgin before Derek and she didn't sleep with anyone for the last 5 years aka from the time she slept with Derek until the present time. That alarmed me and I started doing some research in my e-copy and I stumbled upon exhibit #2 and the nail in the coffin
"He’d never been one of those sex-crazed guys who had to have it several times a day, or even once a day. In fact, until she’d stumbled back into his life, he’d done quite well with once a week, if that. He went for quality, not quantity." Once a week means 52 per year which makes it 260 women, 250 to give him a break. Isn't it perfect when the "hero" is a manwhore and the heroine is oh so pure?
The story could break some stereotypes by having the heroine work in a male-dominated profession, but it had to be ruined by making her a nun for the last 5 years and him a walking STD. The worst part was that the first time they had sex (in present time) she even told Derek that there was no need for condom since she said he must clean. She should have had him tested.
July 27, 2020
Kickoff was a perfect blend of characters,stories and emotions.
Jami Davenport has been able to masterfully handle the different levels of this story because to me it wasn't only a sports romance or a second chance at love,there was so much more to this book that you have to discover.
Derek and Rachel were friends until they acted on their passion and ruined their relationship.Now they meet again and they are the Seattle Steelheads' WR the first and the counsultant/ coach of the offense the latter.There is still a burning chemistry between them, will they give in to the temptation risking their jobs and careers?Or will they resist the urges of the flesh in order to fulfil their dreams?
I recommend this book because even the second characters have a lot to say and to add to the story.
dnf
February 8, 2023DNF at 6%
1. She lost her virginity to the hero five years ago and hasn’t slept with anyone since
2. She looks better without makeup
3. She stumbles and he catches her in their very first interaction
4. He smells like man and something distinctly him
5. “Females”
6. Some big dramatic betrayal involving him and her dad happened years ago and it’s been mentioned so many times already with no details forthcoming
Six strikes in six percent and I’m out
2/8/23
1. She lost her virginity to the hero five years ago and hasn’t slept with anyone since
2. She looks better without makeup
3. She stumbles and he catches her in their very first interaction
4. He smells like man and something distinctly him
5. “Females”
6. Some big dramatic betrayal involving him and her dad happened years ago and it’s been mentioned so many times already with no details forthcoming
Six strikes in six percent and I’m out
2/8/23
Want to read
October 26, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (7/22/2020)! 🎁
July 22, 2019
5 star Review Kickoff : The Originals (Seattle Steelheads #1) by Jami Davenport
Derek Ramsey is the wide receiver for the Seattle Steelheads but his game is off and his former best friend and lover Rachel McCormick is brought in to help Derek get his game back on track.
I love Jami Davenport’s style of writing; her books are always engaging and I was captivated by Kickoff from the first to the last chapter.
A second chance at love story that drew me in and kept me riveted throughout. Neither Derek or Rachel can resist the chemistry that is just as intense as it always was and both will risk everything to experience the passion again.
Will Rachel risk the chance of Derek breaking her heart again and losing the job she has worked so hard for? Can they both overcome their tumultuous past and focus on the job at hand, or is the past destined to destroy their present and possibly their future?
This was a roller coaster of a read that was emotional at times. There were times I laughed, times I cried but throughout it all there was a feeling of love and family.
Another great story from Jami Davenport which I recommend.
July 24, 2019
This is a book that has so much going for it, it was easy to read with just the right mix of passion and angst and like all of this authors books you really feel part of the story, a second chance romance set in the world of the Seattle Steelheads football team and this is Derek Ramsey’s story.
Derek Ramsey is the wide receiver for the Steelheads but his game has fallen apart and he has lost his confidence so the team bring in Rachel McCormick to get him back on track what no one knows is Rachel was once the love of Derek’s life and also his best friend before he broke her heart .......
Will Rachel risk her heart again and what about the job she has worked so hard to get .......
This book had me laughing but it also had me crying, it was an emotional read centred around a team that to honest feel like family, it’s book one in the original series but it can certainly be read as a stand-alone. Looking forward to wher we go next with The Seattle Steelheads.
Derek Ramsey is the wide receiver for the Steelheads but his game has fallen apart and he has lost his confidence so the team bring in Rachel McCormick to get him back on track what no one knows is Rachel was once the love of Derek’s life and also his best friend before he broke her heart .......
Will Rachel risk her heart again and what about the job she has worked so hard to get .......
This book had me laughing but it also had me crying, it was an emotional read centred around a team that to honest feel like family, it’s book one in the original series but it can certainly be read as a stand-alone. Looking forward to wher we go next with The Seattle Steelheads.
July 17, 2019
Wow is my heart just so full right now. I did not expect to get the emotions coming at me. This author gets you involved in the story before you even realize it, and after you hit that point you are just along for the ride. This is a second chance / sports romance book. Lots of emotions but we also get good chemistry. Start this book, and you will be hooked!
This is the first book in the Originals series. Can be read as a stand alone. You will see secondary characters that will pop up in the later books in there series. Just a bit of fun to get you read for the next book. Which I can't wait for!
This is the first book in the Originals series. Can be read as a stand alone. You will see secondary characters that will pop up in the later books in there series. Just a bit of fun to get you read for the next book. Which I can't wait for!
July 23, 2019
3.25 Stars
It’s a bit of an odd experience ready a book and knowing how it’s going to turn out. That’s Kickoff for me.... between reading the newer Stealheads books and the other originals that are being republished Derek and Rachel are characters that I’ve met before, but when they were further down the road from where they are here.
The “going back in time” idea probably led to some of the issues I had connecting with the characters, especially Derek and Ty (his cousin and a secondary character). In Kickoff, Derek is evolving both from a professional and emotional standpoint. It’s hard to see that when I’ve met the more evolved version already.
I also struggled a little bit with how the romance between Derek and Rachel started. I liked the second chance/work place element, but some of the early interactions almost seemed to undermine Rachel as a person. I don’t think that’s what was intended, but there were places that I just didn’t love.
This was a decent read, but I’m not sure it measures up to what I have come to expect from Ms Davenport. I don’t know if it’s because it’s originally an older manuscript that has been polished or if it’s something else, but I had a hard time clicking with this one.
It’s a bit of an odd experience ready a book and knowing how it’s going to turn out. That’s Kickoff for me.... between reading the newer Stealheads books and the other originals that are being republished Derek and Rachel are characters that I’ve met before, but when they were further down the road from where they are here.
The “going back in time” idea probably led to some of the issues I had connecting with the characters, especially Derek and Ty (his cousin and a secondary character). In Kickoff, Derek is evolving both from a professional and emotional standpoint. It’s hard to see that when I’ve met the more evolved version already.
I also struggled a little bit with how the romance between Derek and Rachel started. I liked the second chance/work place element, but some of the early interactions almost seemed to undermine Rachel as a person. I don’t think that’s what was intended, but there were places that I just didn’t love.
This was a decent read, but I’m not sure it measures up to what I have come to expect from Ms Davenport. I don’t know if it’s because it’s originally an older manuscript that has been polished or if it’s something else, but I had a hard time clicking with this one.
March 20, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up
It was free on Amazon.
The book didn’t flow as smoothly as I would have liked. And I didn’t connect with the characters. But it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve read.
It was free on Amazon.
The book didn’t flow as smoothly as I would have liked. And I didn’t connect with the characters. But it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve read.
February 6, 2022
I guess it was ok. I didn't really like the way the author builded the story, and both main characters were kind of plain.
I'm kind of curious about Tyler's book, but I'm not sure if I'll read it. It will probably depend on how bored I am.
I'm kind of curious about Tyler's book, but I'm not sure if I'll read it. It will probably depend on how bored I am.
March 31, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Really great start to this series.
I love sports romance and this hit the mark .
Exciting, full of hope but a little angst too,
Tears, laughter and passion .
A good read I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
💋💋
Really great start to this series.
I love sports romance and this hit the mark .
Exciting, full of hope but a little angst too,
Tears, laughter and passion .
A good read I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 22, 2019
Good book and I totally give it 4.5 outta 5 (wish I could give half stars on here!)
This was a great light and easy read (even though it does have heavy topics) I felt as if I was not being submerged in the drama, I was just more along for the ride and sitting passenger and eating popcorn while it all unfolds. Jami Davenport did a great job setting everything up. This is way more than a second chance romance between two friends that took it a little bit further than what they should have and now have a chance to right the wrongs. The background stories make this book REALLY freaking good and the characters are unforgettable (totally tearing up a little).
Derek is a WR in the NFL and he is a bit down on his luck, ever since he has been injured he cannot get out of his head and it is seriously hurting his chances for having more seasons with the team. He has his cousin and best friend Tyler on the team as well which never usually happens so he should be living the dream, so why isn't he?
Rachel has so many things going against her. Being a woman in a male dominated world is already enough of a red flag but throw in the fact that her father was accused of something so against their beliefs just hit the nail on the coffin. She has a chance with the Steelheads to be a consultant and maybe just maybe be able to then pass into a coaching role if she proves herself. She just didn't realize how hard that would be with Derek there as well.
These two have major unfinished business and when they hook up and Derek plays the best games of his life, well you can't stop what works right? Even if it costs Rachel her job and her happiness (again) just a few more times is worth it right? Not even to mention all the background stuff going on. I totally recommend checking this book out!
PS: Thanks to Jami Davenport and L Woods PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book in return for my honest review!
This was a great light and easy read (even though it does have heavy topics) I felt as if I was not being submerged in the drama, I was just more along for the ride and sitting passenger and eating popcorn while it all unfolds. Jami Davenport did a great job setting everything up. This is way more than a second chance romance between two friends that took it a little bit further than what they should have and now have a chance to right the wrongs. The background stories make this book REALLY freaking good and the characters are unforgettable (totally tearing up a little).
Derek is a WR in the NFL and he is a bit down on his luck, ever since he has been injured he cannot get out of his head and it is seriously hurting his chances for having more seasons with the team. He has his cousin and best friend Tyler on the team as well which never usually happens so he should be living the dream, so why isn't he?
Rachel has so many things going against her. Being a woman in a male dominated world is already enough of a red flag but throw in the fact that her father was accused of something so against their beliefs just hit the nail on the coffin. She has a chance with the Steelheads to be a consultant and maybe just maybe be able to then pass into a coaching role if she proves herself. She just didn't realize how hard that would be with Derek there as well.
These two have major unfinished business and when they hook up and Derek plays the best games of his life, well you can't stop what works right? Even if it costs Rachel her job and her happiness (again) just a few more times is worth it right? Not even to mention all the background stuff going on. I totally recommend checking this book out!
PS: Thanks to Jami Davenport and L Woods PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book in return for my honest review!
July 21, 2019
Rachel McCormick had grown up in the perfect family with a dad who was a football coach and taught her everything possible about the sport. Not only did she know the game inside out and upside down, she had the ability to analyze people and plays and fix the issues they had. Her dream of doing that and maybe going into the NFL was crushed when a scandal rocked the college football world, taking her father with it. Now she has another chance but it also meant dealing with the man who broke her heart when she needed him the most.
Derek Ramsey knew he was lucky to still be playing in the NFL. He had messed up in his past badly and now was being given a second chance. He had to make it or he would most likely be cut from the Seattle Steelheads. When he was told he was going to have someone help him, he looked forward to it, he never dreamed it would be his former best friend Rachel. It wasn't enough he had not supported her after the scandal with her father, he had also broken her heart. Walking away after she had given him everything.
Now can they both overcome the past to create an incredible unstoppable team by working together or will it haunt them forever and kill both careers?
This is one of the original stories of the Steelheads but redone in several ways. I loved it the first time and love it even more now with the updates. Jami has once again created the perfect book that will entrap you into her world. As an avid reader one other thing that I love about this is that you do not have to read any of the other series for it to make sense.
Derek Ramsey knew he was lucky to still be playing in the NFL. He had messed up in his past badly and now was being given a second chance. He had to make it or he would most likely be cut from the Seattle Steelheads. When he was told he was going to have someone help him, he looked forward to it, he never dreamed it would be his former best friend Rachel. It wasn't enough he had not supported her after the scandal with her father, he had also broken her heart. Walking away after she had given him everything.
Now can they both overcome the past to create an incredible unstoppable team by working together or will it haunt them forever and kill both careers?
This is one of the original stories of the Steelheads but redone in several ways. I loved it the first time and love it even more now with the updates. Jami has once again created the perfect book that will entrap you into her world. As an avid reader one other thing that I love about this is that you do not have to read any of the other series for it to make sense.
July 23, 2019
What if you could change the past? What if you could go on from the past? What if the past didn't matter? These are questions that Rachel and Derek are faced with as Derek's future becomes focused on the Super Bowl and Rachel is faced with the truth of what her father did. Rachel wants to prove that her father is innocent and Derek has the answer she thinks. Getting closer to him could risk her heart but clearing her father's name is worth it. Derek needs to prove he can play past his injuries and Rachel can help him. What's a little sex between friends, right? The story moves quick like a football game and the supporting characters are great. I'm not a football fan, but I appreciate the game. Seeing Derek and Rachel's devotion to the game leapt off the pages. First published as Fourth and Goal, it was been reworked and renamed Kickoff. The additions to the story are subtle and perfect.
July 24, 2019
I'm going keep this one short;
I loved how they wanted to stay away from one another but just couldn't seem to do so. They share a conflicting past which was a big problem at the beginning before they realized that they love each other to much to stay away. There were a few eye-rolls here and there but overall this story was about how much one is willing to let go in order to find peace and happiness in life.
This was a quick, emotional and fun read. I'm looking forward to meeting more characters from the Seattle Steelheads series.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
I loved how they wanted to stay away from one another but just couldn't seem to do so. They share a conflicting past which was a big problem at the beginning before they realized that they love each other to much to stay away. There were a few eye-rolls here and there but overall this story was about how much one is willing to let go in order to find peace and happiness in life.
This was a quick, emotional and fun read. I'm looking forward to meeting more characters from the Seattle Steelheads series.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
October 12, 2022
This one had potential but once an extra side character stole the show, I realized something is not right. I loved Ryan's story, and they way the author blended him in the MCs storyline, it was deep and heartbreaking. But even then, Tyler got some spotlight and not Derek (the main male character)
But for the life of me, I couldn't engage with the two characters. First of all, Rachel: WTF?? After a hot weekend fling, she confessed her love to Derek, he turned her down, because he didn't do feelings, he had a "career to follow". 2 years later she asked him for help with her father's shady story, he turned her down again, without explaining to her what happened and what he knew, because it "would devastate" her. Mind you, they were best friends since they were children and her father was his coach/mentor. And yet she still has feelings for him and they end up in a forbidden relationship, risking everything. It wasn't difficult at all, after all this pain (5 years from the initial heartbreak,2 years from the 2nd rejection) to fall again in bed with him... because they agreed to a friends with benefits situation, which would be different than before because they have grown up.
And in the end he send flowers and "OMG he is so in love with me"🤷🤷🤷🤷
As for Derek, I found him as a weak coward and a Labrador seeking admirers, and the excuse is that he was left by his mother, so he really doesn't confront anyone. Yes, he might come to his senses when it comes to realizing how feelings but there is minimum to none groveling or explanation or discussion between him and Rachel, on all the things that have happened between them. Did he ever truly sit down with her and talk and let her know that he loves her? Her brother tells him that she only wanted to get close to him for their father's story and what does he do? He breaks up with her, yelling at her that he "loved her" but she lost her chance 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
As for the ending?? Yes he proposes when they win the Super Bowl in front of everyone 🤣😅
In short, I liked the baseline and the idea but
I wanted more character development and more discussion.
But for the life of me, I couldn't engage with the two characters. First of all, Rachel: WTF?? After a hot weekend fling, she confessed her love to Derek, he turned her down, because he didn't do feelings, he had a "career to follow". 2 years later she asked him for help with her father's shady story, he turned her down again, without explaining to her what happened and what he knew, because it "would devastate" her. Mind you, they were best friends since they were children and her father was his coach/mentor. And yet she still has feelings for him and they end up in a forbidden relationship, risking everything. It wasn't difficult at all, after all this pain (5 years from the initial heartbreak,2 years from the 2nd rejection) to fall again in bed with him... because they agreed to a friends with benefits situation, which would be different than before because they have grown up.
And in the end he send flowers and "OMG he is so in love with me"🤷🤷🤷🤷
As for Derek, I found him as a weak coward and a Labrador seeking admirers, and the excuse is that he was left by his mother, so he really doesn't confront anyone. Yes, he might come to his senses when it comes to realizing how feelings but there is minimum to none groveling or explanation or discussion between him and Rachel, on all the things that have happened between them. Did he ever truly sit down with her and talk and let her know that he loves her? Her brother tells him that she only wanted to get close to him for their father's story and what does he do? He breaks up with her, yelling at her that he "loved her" but she lost her chance 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
As for the ending?? Yes he proposes when they win the Super Bowl in front of everyone 🤣😅
In short, I liked the baseline and the idea but
I wanted more character development and more discussion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2019
Rachel has to decide on Derek or a coaching career!
Football wide receiver Derek was about ready to give up playing football after after he had played for three teams in four years. Rachel McCormick had been his best friend when he was child and lover for one weekend and still had a torch for her when the team hired her as consultant. Rachel wasn’t supposed to date a player but after they finally slept together Derek played his best game in a long time so maybe Rachel was his good luck charm? Does Rachel give up Derek and has a professional coaching career or does she stay with Derek and no coaching career?
Kickoff is reissue and might be familiar to some readers but it’s worth a re-read for anybody who likes romance especially sport romance!
P.S. You will need tissues when you read about Ryan.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Football wide receiver Derek was about ready to give up playing football after after he had played for three teams in four years. Rachel McCormick had been his best friend when he was child and lover for one weekend and still had a torch for her when the team hired her as consultant. Rachel wasn’t supposed to date a player but after they finally slept together Derek played his best game in a long time so maybe Rachel was his good luck charm? Does Rachel give up Derek and has a professional coaching career or does she stay with Derek and no coaching career?
Kickoff is reissue and might be familiar to some readers but it’s worth a re-read for anybody who likes romance especially sport romance!
P.S. You will need tissues when you read about Ryan.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 25, 2019
Wow! I think this is one of my favorite books by Jami Davenport! I love her writing style normally but I just feel like this one was just so special. Sexy, sweet, fun, passionate and emotional, this one ticks off a lot of boxes. This is a second chance love story between Derek and Rachel but it is truly so much more than that. This couple has undeniable chemistry that try as they might, they could not keep it at bay. My emotions are still all over the place after reading this. I really love football, so I love how much of that is actually included. I definitely became a true Steelheads fan throughout their season! I also love the whole Ryan side story, so emotional. Last but not least, I really love the dynamic between Rachel and Derek and their backstory. I was rooting for them the whole time too!!
July 21, 2019
Rachel and Derek are breaking all the rules. Exes with benefits proves to be a heartache in the making. A bad idea could lead to a winning hand, if these two players can keep their heads in the game and their hearts out of the equation. Kickoff refuses to compromise when it comes to heart. Davenport pushes boundaries, but never steps over the line. Kickoff proves that sassy can be a fabulous fit when it comes to sports romances.
July 20, 2019
When I began reading this book I expected a great book. I love Jami Davenport's series! But what I didn't expect was the pull of the heartstrings that occurred. This book is one of those that makes you feel good inside and feel good about humanity! Derek and Rachel and their story is wonderful. I love the Steelheads and their whole family and it is a welcome addition. Anyone that reads this will be glad they did! I read an advanced reader copy of this book.
July 17, 2019
Kickoff by Jami Davenport is truly a love story that contains it all. It will take you on a real rollercoaster ride thru Derek and Rachel’s relationship. You will smile and Laugh out loud and you will cry during this heartwarming story. Derek and Rachel were true best friends growing up who lost their way as they got older. Meeting up again in a less than perfect situation when they are older allows them to reconnect and try to work thru the many obstacles they have to reach their HEA. Even if you have previously read this story in its first incarnation, give it another go. You won’t regret it. Thank you again Ms. Davenport!
July 18, 2019
When you open this book you will never expect all the feels it has. Romance, angst, heartbreaking & heartwarming moments, but what you will have is a smile on your face when you see the words The End.
Derek & Rachel have a history. Some might say it was great others would say not but when they find themselves once again together either they can take the risk of opening up their hearts again or leaving well enough alone. You will love taking this journey with them through all their ups and downs but what you will see is that you will be there cheerleader through it all.
Derek & Rachel have a history. Some might say it was great others would say not but when they find themselves once again together either they can take the risk of opening up their hearts again or leaving well enough alone. You will love taking this journey with them through all their ups and downs but what you will see is that you will be there cheerleader through it all.
July 21, 2019
This one definitely had a few surprises in store. What's not a surprise is I loved all the characters and I especially loved Derek. He's not at all what I thought he was at the beginning.
July 25, 2019
Derek and Rachel have known each other since junior high. They had a thing years ago but when Rachel told Derek how she felt he walked away. Now Derek is playing for the Steelheads and his game is so far off they dont know what to do with him. Rachel has joined on as an assistant coach and her first mission is to get Derek's head back in the game. What happens when the one thing Derek needed all along was Rachel? Will she risk her heart again?
November 15, 2020
• 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 •
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Kickoff: The Originals
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jami Davenport
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆ 3/5
As much as I have a weakness for sport romances and second chance loves, this one just wasn’t it for me. The romance felt a bit off at times and the pace of the book was too slow for me. I felt like Rachel deserved so much more than how Derek treated her at some points in the book. The secret involving Rachels dad took (for me) way too long to be revealed. That being said, there were also things I really liked about the book that even made my heart melt. Ryan’s story really broke my heart and I think his story was a beautiful addition to the whole book. Did I think this book was worth my time and did I find it enjoyable enough: Yes. Would I read this book again? No. Would I try another book from this author: Definitely. The book wasn’t it for me, but it might be for you! Recommending it to people who love sport romance and second chance love stories to try it for themselves.
Most of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Kickoff: The Originals
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jami Davenport
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆ 3/5
As much as I have a weakness for sport romances and second chance loves, this one just wasn’t it for me. The romance felt a bit off at times and the pace of the book was too slow for me. I felt like Rachel deserved so much more than how Derek treated her at some points in the book. The secret involving Rachels dad took (for me) way too long to be revealed. That being said, there were also things I really liked about the book that even made my heart melt. Ryan’s story really broke my heart and I think his story was a beautiful addition to the whole book. Did I think this book was worth my time and did I find it enjoyable enough: Yes. Would I read this book again? No. Would I try another book from this author: Definitely. The book wasn’t it for me, but it might be for you! Recommending it to people who love sport romance and second chance love stories to try it for themselves.
Most of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
July 16, 2019
Another great book in this series, I really love reading Jami's work. She pulls you in from the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. The characters were very likable and the story flows very well. I can't wait to read more from this author.
July 28, 2019
This book is not only about a romance between 2 people, no it is about looking in and realizing that those that have hurt you, those that have failed you are not the people that define you. Derek, Rachel, and Tyler show us how much they mean to one another how family should support one another.
Kickoff, gave me more than just football stats and romance, the characters brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart with all the compassion. An unexpected delight that I did not put down once I started reading. A book that will grab you and make you take notice of those around you and appreciate the people in your lives.
A swoon worthy read that gives you so much more than you expected.
Kickoff, gave me more than just football stats and romance, the characters brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart with all the compassion. An unexpected delight that I did not put down once I started reading. A book that will grab you and make you take notice of those around you and appreciate the people in your lives.
A swoon worthy read that gives you so much more than you expected.
July 31, 2022
Kickoff was a struggle for me to get through. The MC's Derek and Rachel were kind of bland. Rachel was actually a bit annoying with how quirky clumsy she was. Literally every other page she was falling, stumbling into people, or somehow getting hurt. It got old real quick. I would've liked to see more of a conflict with their relationship as she was coaching him and they were so worried throughout the book about what would happen, but I feel like nothing really came of it.
August 11, 2020
This book was a hard one to get into, i love sports romances but the characters dialog often was awkward and forced to a degree. The premises of the book could have made for a really good story but i just found that it fell a bit flat, no real conflict
March 31, 2021
Hot, Sexy, Realistic, and so Moving it made me cry!!
WOW! Kick Off is my first reading by Jami Davenport, and the moment I finished reading it, I started looking for another book she had written. The characters of Derek and Rachel were truly relatable, some parts of the story were gritty, some sad, some shameful and pathetic, but most of them were endearing because they found a way to glean the positive in life from whatever comes your way. The chemistry between Derek and Rachel was off the charts hot and sexy, and the life dramas iterated in the tale were so realistic and moving I felt as though I was reading my local newspaper's lifestyle featured story of the lessons people learn when you make the wrong choices. And, off the charts emotions of compassion and love were evoked by the character Ryan - this part of the novel was hauntingly beautiful and had me literally crying! The author wrote about the human condition, the best of us, the worst of us, those who cannot cope, those who find ways to cope, those of us caught up in circumstances not of our own making, and those of us hiding and running from our blatant misdeeds, but what came across the most in this story was the certainty that whatever our choices in this life, those choices are guaranteed to have an effect on every single person who touches our lives...
I need to find another book by this author...she is well worth reading over and over again!
WOW! Kick Off is my first reading by Jami Davenport, and the moment I finished reading it, I started looking for another book she had written. The characters of Derek and Rachel were truly relatable, some parts of the story were gritty, some sad, some shameful and pathetic, but most of them were endearing because they found a way to glean the positive in life from whatever comes your way. The chemistry between Derek and Rachel was off the charts hot and sexy, and the life dramas iterated in the tale were so realistic and moving I felt as though I was reading my local newspaper's lifestyle featured story of the lessons people learn when you make the wrong choices. And, off the charts emotions of compassion and love were evoked by the character Ryan - this part of the novel was hauntingly beautiful and had me literally crying! The author wrote about the human condition, the best of us, the worst of us, those who cannot cope, those who find ways to cope, those of us caught up in circumstances not of our own making, and those of us hiding and running from our blatant misdeeds, but what came across the most in this story was the certainty that whatever our choices in this life, those choices are guaranteed to have an effect on every single person who touches our lives...
I need to find another book by this author...she is well worth reading over and over again!
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