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Jock Hard #1
Jock Row
Book One in the JOCK HARD Series
Scarlett is always the sensible one: The sober driver. The planner. The one holding your hair back while you're worshiping the porcelain gods.
Week-after-week, she visits Jock Row with her friends—the university's hottest party scene and breeding ground for student athletes. And if keeping her friends out of trouble, and guys out of their pants, was a sport, she'd be the star athlete.
Being a well known jock-blocker gets her noticed for all the wrong reasons; just like that, she's banned from Jock Row. NO GUY WANTS A GIRL AROUND WHO KEEPS THEIR JOCK FRIENDS FROM GETTING LAID.
"Rowdy" Wade is the hot shot short-stop for the university's baseball team—and the unlucky bastard who drew the short straw: keep little Miss Goody Two-Shoes out of the Baseball House.
But week-after-week Scarlett returns, determined to get inside.
Scarlett is always the sensible one: The sober driver. The planner. The one holding your hair back while you're worshiping the porcelain gods.
Week-after-week, she visits Jock Row with her friends—the university's hottest party scene and breeding ground for student athletes. And if keeping her friends out of trouble, and guys out of their pants, was a sport, she'd be the star athlete.
Being a well known jock-blocker gets her noticed for all the wrong reasons; just like that, she's banned from Jock Row. NO GUY WANTS A GIRL AROUND WHO KEEPS THEIR JOCK FRIENDS FROM GETTING LAID.
"Rowdy" Wade is the hot shot short-stop for the university's baseball team—and the unlucky bastard who drew the short straw: keep little Miss Goody Two-Shoes out of the Baseball House.
But week-after-week Scarlett returns, determined to get inside.
Audible Audio
First published May 1, 2018
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About the author
Sara Ney
87 books6,617 followersSara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced latte's, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,230 reviews
May 3, 2018
I’m an athlete—a champion. I play hard and jock harder, and these little games I’ve started with her? I’m playing to win.
I read this in one delicious sitting. Stayed up WAY past my bedtime to finish, and I don't even care because it was SO FREAKING CUTE!! Such a fun start to what looks to be another addicting series from one of my favorite authors.
Jock Row introduces another New Adult sports series from Sara Ney, this time about baseball. We get the ball rolling *giggles* (sorry couldn't help myself) with the story of Rowdy and Scarlett.
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the sizzling slow burn of their romance. What starts as an unlikely friendship full of banter and laughs, soon begins to develop into something much deeper. When Rowdy is picked to kick Scarlett out of a party on Jock Row for being a bit of a cockblock to his friends, the last thing he expects is the immediate connection he forms with a girl wearing a bulky sweater and a mischievous grin. This was a deliciously character driven story and I think that's what I enjoyed most about it. I loved the banter between these two and I'll never think of Never Have I Ever without thinking of this couple.
Rowdy may be a jock, but he's not an a-hole. He's cocky, but rightfully so. He IS the captain of the baseball team and worked hard to get where he is. Scarlett was a breath of fresh air. She's sassy and sharp witted and isn't as boy crazy as her college friends even if Rowdy does make her keep showing up to a party she has no intention of going inside for. I seriously adored the way their connection formed. Watching their feelings develop and the chemistry between them go from sparks to incendiary proportions.
Jock Row was an adorably sweet and super cute romance full of laughs and sizzle. It had me glued to the pages from beginning to finish and totally head over heels for this couple by the end. If New Adult sports romance is your thing, this series is your new catnip!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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July 24, 2023
4 stars
When I start a Sara Ney book, I know one thing for sure. I’m going to have fun. Jock Row was snarky, sweet, sexy, and a ton of fun! The way Scarlett and Rowdy met was original for sure!
Rowdy is the hot shot athlete, star of the baseball team, and Scarlett is a good friend and student, totally not the party goer type. For some reason, after she gets booted from the jock party, she has this desire to go back. Every Friday, Scarlett goes back to the jock house and Rowdy is waiting for her. Those Friday nights… sigh. That was the best part of this book! I loved these two and their sharing food and their little games. It was the best!
Rowdy is a jock, but he’s not your typical jock. He was just… more. I loved him! Scarlett was great too. Honestly, I loved both of these characters! I listened to this book on audio and the narrators were great. I would definitely recommend listening to this book.
I love a good new adult sports romance. Nothing hits the spot quite like this kind of book for me. Sara Ney did an amazing job with this book and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! If you’re looking for an entertaining, fun story with the best banter, be sure to pick this one up!
When I start a Sara Ney book, I know one thing for sure. I’m going to have fun. Jock Row was snarky, sweet, sexy, and a ton of fun! The way Scarlett and Rowdy met was original for sure!
“Remind me again why I followed you out here?”
Answer: Because curiosity killed the cat, Scarlett. You followed a good-looking stranger out into the dark and look where it got you – on the front porch, in the bitter cold.
“Don’t beat yourself up about it – any one of those girls would have followed me out here, too.”
Oh brother, he’s modest too? “And why do you suppose that is?”
His broad shoulders shrug and damn, he must be freezing his ass off. “Captain of the baseball team. Handsome as f*ck. Funny as hell.”
“I don’t…wow. I don’t even know how to respond to that.”
He gives me a tight-lipped smile. “It’s a lot to take in all at once.”
Rowdy is the hot shot athlete, star of the baseball team, and Scarlett is a good friend and student, totally not the party goer type. For some reason, after she gets booted from the jock party, she has this desire to go back. Every Friday, Scarlett goes back to the jock house and Rowdy is waiting for her. Those Friday nights… sigh. That was the best part of this book! I loved these two and their sharing food and their little games. It was the best!
Rowdy is a jock, but he’s not your typical jock. He was just… more. I loved him! Scarlett was great too. Honestly, I loved both of these characters! I listened to this book on audio and the narrators were great. I would definitely recommend listening to this book.
I love a good new adult sports romance. Nothing hits the spot quite like this kind of book for me. Sara Ney did an amazing job with this book and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! If you’re looking for an entertaining, fun story with the best banter, be sure to pick this one up!
May 10, 2018
I was so excited to get this book. I love sports romance, love me some sexy ass jocks, so patiently waiting to get my hands on this one, okay I wasn’t so patient.. So here’s my thoughts.....
This book is simply pure sweetness. Slowly and I mean it slowly burns you with the undoubtedly hot passion between Sterling “Rowdy” Wade and Scarlet Ripley.
Rowdy is one of the best Short Stops in College Baseball, attending the University of Iowa on a sports scholarship. He is captain of the baseball team and let me say, he is one hot ass jock. He’s had his share of ‘cleat chasers’ and isn’t into random hooks up much anymore. He’s had enough of the games. So when he is asked to escort out a ‘cockblocker’ out of his teams frat party, he’s unexpectedly surprised at the attraction he has with Scarlet.
Instant chemistry surprises both of them, they end up meeting outside on the porch for the next several Friday’s, why their friends party on inside the house. So how long will they continue to meet before taking their attraction further? Here’s a hint, it’s awhile, hence the SLOW BURN. But with saying this, I loved the timing, I loved the build up of the relationship between Rowdy & Scarlet.
When they finally decide to take things, off the porch, my heart melts. If you love sweetness with the slow burn, definitely try this one. I throughly enjoyed this one. I swooned and yes, while on vacation, people stared at me as I sat there smiling at my kindle....
This book is simply pure sweetness. Slowly and I mean it slowly burns you with the undoubtedly hot passion between Sterling “Rowdy” Wade and Scarlet Ripley.
Rowdy is one of the best Short Stops in College Baseball, attending the University of Iowa on a sports scholarship. He is captain of the baseball team and let me say, he is one hot ass jock. He’s had his share of ‘cleat chasers’ and isn’t into random hooks up much anymore. He’s had enough of the games. So when he is asked to escort out a ‘cockblocker’ out of his teams frat party, he’s unexpectedly surprised at the attraction he has with Scarlet.
Instant chemistry surprises both of them, they end up meeting outside on the porch for the next several Friday’s, why their friends party on inside the house. So how long will they continue to meet before taking their attraction further? Here’s a hint, it’s awhile, hence the SLOW BURN. But with saying this, I loved the timing, I loved the build up of the relationship between Rowdy & Scarlet.
When they finally decide to take things, off the porch, my heart melts. If you love sweetness with the slow burn, definitely try this one. I throughly enjoyed this one. I swooned and yes, while on vacation, people stared at me as I sat there smiling at my kindle....
May 2, 2018
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
I'm finding this book ridiculously hard to review. Because I liked it, I really did. I loved both Rowdy and Scarlett, their witty banter, the sweet moments they shared...it was all just really good. And it was extremely intriguing and easy to just sit down and get sucked right onto that front porch with these characters. Which also I found absolutely genius that for the most part the setting of this story didn't change, it was unique and super fun to read that.
But here's the thing, I didn't love it at first. Up until 18% or so I found it extremely annoying and wanted to hate both characters. For me, they did not have a meet-cute they had a meet-frustration. Honestly if I was someone who DNF'ed books I would not have made it past that scene. It made me think Rowdy was just another douchebag player and Scarlett was some pathetic girl who doesn't understand when she's not wanted around. That sounds horrible but for me that scene was horrible and painted both of these characters in some very bad light. 11% into the story and I had about 8 notes/highlights on my kindle about how annoying I found things. I just couldn't deal with how that first meeting played out.
Yet I pushed on and I couldn't be happier that I'm too OCD to not finish a book. Once the story moved past that and more importantly once we started getting Rowdy's POV it was like a completely different book. I loved the entire second half and for that I will push everyone I know to read this story. I'm keeping my 3.5 rounded down to 3 Stars rating because of how frustrated I felt for that entire beginning but it doesn't mean I don't consider this a favorite from this author. And I will definitely be re-reading sometime in the future...I'll just be skipping a few chapters.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
I'm finding this book ridiculously hard to review. Because I liked it, I really did. I loved both Rowdy and Scarlett, their witty banter, the sweet moments they shared...it was all just really good. And it was extremely intriguing and easy to just sit down and get sucked right onto that front porch with these characters. Which also I found absolutely genius that for the most part the setting of this story didn't change, it was unique and super fun to read that.
But here's the thing, I didn't love it at first. Up until 18% or so I found it extremely annoying and wanted to hate both characters. For me, they did not have a meet-cute they had a meet-frustration. Honestly if I was someone who DNF'ed books I would not have made it past that scene. It made me think Rowdy was just another douchebag player and Scarlett was some pathetic girl who doesn't understand when she's not wanted around. That sounds horrible but for me that scene was horrible and painted both of these characters in some very bad light. 11% into the story and I had about 8 notes/highlights on my kindle about how annoying I found things. I just couldn't deal with how that first meeting played out.
Yet I pushed on and I couldn't be happier that I'm too OCD to not finish a book. Once the story moved past that and more importantly once we started getting Rowdy's POV it was like a completely different book. I loved the entire second half and for that I will push everyone I know to read this story. I'm keeping my 3.5 rounded down to 3 Stars rating because of how frustrated I felt for that entire beginning but it doesn't mean I don't consider this a favorite from this author. And I will definitely be re-reading sometime in the future...I'll just be skipping a few chapters.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2018
*****4.5 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
Take it slow, my brain tells me. Run with it, and run as far as you can go. I’m an athlete—a champion. I play hard and jock harder, and these little games I’ve started with her? I’m playing to win.
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JOCK ROW, the first book in the ”Jock Hard” series was FABULOUS! This story had just about everything I LOVE in a good sports romance. The Hero is every woman’s dream come true. Rowdy Wade is beautiful, cocky, funny, but most of all he has a big heart. You can’t help but fall in love with him. Rowdy and Scarlett start off as enemies but quickly turn into friends and although it did seem as though there was a little bit of “insta-love” happening, it didn’t negatively impact the plot.
While the Hero of the story is one of the most popular jocks on campus, the Heroine, Scarlett, is what would be considered a “wallflower”. She’d much rather spend a Friday night alone in her apartment, binge-watching something on Netflix with a glass of wine, instead of going to a house party on “Jock Row”. She’s practically dragged by her two best friends to a party at the baseball team’s house where she soon gets labeled a ”cock blocker” by a couple of guys. Scarlett gets escorted out of the house by the captain of the baseball team, Rowdy Wade. Their banter is comical and at first, I wasn’t sure if Scarlett was going to be a likable Heroine but as the story progresses she becomes lovable.
Scarlett and Rowdy make hanging out on the front porch of the baseball team’s house a Friday night ritual. Every Friday, Scarlett tries to attend one of their house parties and Rowdy keeps her from entering the premises, but they spend those nights playing games and getting to know each other and neither of them seems to care that they are missing out on all of the party shenanigans.
Rowdy thinks Scarlett is a one of a kind girl and he loves that she isn’t falling all over him because he’s a popular jock who has a definite shot at going into the major leagues. She’s into him for the person he is on the inside. Each day that they spend together Rowdy is starting to become enamored with her, not only for her character but she also happens to be a “knock-out” but keeps her beauty hidden under all the layers of clothes she wears during the freezing Iowa winter season.
When Rowdy starts making the moves on Scarlett, she is completely dense at first. Never in a million years did she think he would be interested in a girl like her. She sees him as being ”too good to be true”. Relationships have never been easy for her and Scarlett is used to guys playing games but Rowdy isn’t like any of the guys she’s dated before. He’s beyond smitten with Scarlett and is determined to win her heart.
Here are my overall ratings
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4.5
Plot: 4.5
Angst: 3
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
This book was truly hard to put down and I have to mention that it gets super steamy. I was on a flight to Denver and had to keep looking around to make sure no one could see what I was reading!!
JOCK ROW is currently available!! A definite must-read!
AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2FBe9wo
AMAZON UK : https://amzn.to/2jmmlYD
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2FBRNLl
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/2FCjq6S
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
Take it slow, my brain tells me. Run with it, and run as far as you can go. I’m an athlete—a champion. I play hard and jock harder, and these little games I’ve started with her? I’m playing to win.
[image error]
JOCK ROW, the first book in the ”Jock Hard” series was FABULOUS! This story had just about everything I LOVE in a good sports romance. The Hero is every woman’s dream come true. Rowdy Wade is beautiful, cocky, funny, but most of all he has a big heart. You can’t help but fall in love with him. Rowdy and Scarlett start off as enemies but quickly turn into friends and although it did seem as though there was a little bit of “insta-love” happening, it didn’t negatively impact the plot.
While the Hero of the story is one of the most popular jocks on campus, the Heroine, Scarlett, is what would be considered a “wallflower”. She’d much rather spend a Friday night alone in her apartment, binge-watching something on Netflix with a glass of wine, instead of going to a house party on “Jock Row”. She’s practically dragged by her two best friends to a party at the baseball team’s house where she soon gets labeled a ”cock blocker” by a couple of guys. Scarlett gets escorted out of the house by the captain of the baseball team, Rowdy Wade. Their banter is comical and at first, I wasn’t sure if Scarlett was going to be a likable Heroine but as the story progresses she becomes lovable.
Scarlett and Rowdy make hanging out on the front porch of the baseball team’s house a Friday night ritual. Every Friday, Scarlett tries to attend one of their house parties and Rowdy keeps her from entering the premises, but they spend those nights playing games and getting to know each other and neither of them seems to care that they are missing out on all of the party shenanigans.
Rowdy thinks Scarlett is a one of a kind girl and he loves that she isn’t falling all over him because he’s a popular jock who has a definite shot at going into the major leagues. She’s into him for the person he is on the inside. Each day that they spend together Rowdy is starting to become enamored with her, not only for her character but she also happens to be a “knock-out” but keeps her beauty hidden under all the layers of clothes she wears during the freezing Iowa winter season.
When Rowdy starts making the moves on Scarlett, she is completely dense at first. Never in a million years did she think he would be interested in a girl like her. She sees him as being ”too good to be true”. Relationships have never been easy for her and Scarlett is used to guys playing games but Rowdy isn’t like any of the guys she’s dated before. He’s beyond smitten with Scarlett and is determined to win her heart.
Here are my overall ratings
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4.5
Plot: 4.5
Angst: 3
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
This book was truly hard to put down and I have to mention that it gets super steamy. I was on a flight to Denver and had to keep looking around to make sure no one could see what I was reading!!
JOCK ROW is currently available!! A definite must-read!
AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2FBe9wo
AMAZON UK : https://amzn.to/2jmmlYD
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2FBRNLl
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/2FCjq6S
dnf
May 6, 2018DNF @ 21%
He: You're like a puppy dog that keeps getting kicked but comes back for more.
She found it cute and went on with her crush on him.
Me: Am I hallucinating? 🤤
He: You're like a puppy dog that keeps getting kicked but comes back for more.
She found it cute and went on with her crush on him.
Me: Am I hallucinating? 🤤
May 10, 2018
This was a great introduction to a promising new series that takes place on “Jock Row!!!” I loved the banter between Rowdy and Scarlett, but I will forewarn; most of the book is the banter between the two! This story is very low angst and it is extremely slow burn.. As long as you don’t mind having little bedroom action until almost the end of the book; then you should enjoy it very much!
I liked the first book enough that I will be continuing onto the next one when it comes out! I do hope there will be a bit more going on at “Jock Row!”
Thanks to Steph for being willing to pickup this read with me!
I liked the first book enough that I will be continuing onto the next one when it comes out! I do hope there will be a bit more going on at “Jock Row!”
Thanks to Steph for being willing to pickup this read with me!
December 5, 2018
5 "This was Everything" Stars!
THIS IS MY MOST FAVORITE SARA NEY BOOK EVER! And actually, Jock Row is one of my most favorite reads of 2018. I simply can’t get over it. The adorableness of Rowdy and Scarlett slayed me. And I can't see anyone not absolutely LOVING their story. It's so sweet, so easy—a slow-burn, friends to lovers, full of witty banter, of flirty, heartfelt feels, and the best sexual tension EVER. Sara really brought this story to life with a tenderness that had me in full on swoon mode. I swear, I’m giddy over this novel. I feel wooed. Jock Row wooed the hell out of me, seduced, charmed, and captivated me, in a way I can’t describe. It’s undoubtedly a TOP FAV must read romance.
Scarlett Ripley is a good girl—a responsible, hard-working, tell-it-like-it is person. Just getting over a cold and feeling kind of cooped up, she decides to take a night out and escape to a frat party with two of her girlfriends. However, when she gets there she encounters two lying d-bags, who she feels the need to set straight.
Rowdy Wade is the captain of the Baseball team. As the leader, his job is to keep the guys in good spirit. Unfortunately (or rather fortunately :: cue winky face) he’s tasked with escorting Scarlet out of the Baseball house, thus thwarting anymore attempts she might make at cock blocking his guys. However, what Rowdy doesn’t anticipate is that Scarlet is like no one he’s ever met, she has spirit, fight, a strong will, and slowly something forms between them, a friendship that could very well be a game changer.
And man, what a story this is. What a delicious, romantic ride. What a total swoonfest. I'm so enamored. So smitten. So absolutely enchanted. Light and sweet, engaging and addicting, Sara hits it out of the park with an unforgettable home run. Jock Row stole my attention in the first chapter, and I found it impossible to put down all the way to the end. Refreshing, this simple, angstless romance brought it's A game. Scarlett’s a lovable heroine who has a feisty edge that'll make you laugh. The banter between her and Rowdy—who is the sexiest, most decadent hero—was hilarious and dreamy. And frankly, I’m don't think you can get through this book without having a swoonfest. It is by far one of the dreamiest, most heartfelt NA romances I’ve ever read.
Overall, I found Jock Row charming and romantic, delicious and sweet, and I don’t think it gets better than this. I recommend it to anyone who loves to be romanced, to be ensnared by a novel. This was one magical ride I never wanted to end and I can't fangirl over it enough. I feel sufficiently wooed by every word and ready to force it on all my reader friends. (LOL).
*** Thank you to Inkslingers PR for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
THIS IS MY MOST FAVORITE SARA NEY BOOK EVER! And actually, Jock Row is one of my most favorite reads of 2018. I simply can’t get over it. The adorableness of Rowdy and Scarlett slayed me. And I can't see anyone not absolutely LOVING their story. It's so sweet, so easy—a slow-burn, friends to lovers, full of witty banter, of flirty, heartfelt feels, and the best sexual tension EVER. Sara really brought this story to life with a tenderness that had me in full on swoon mode. I swear, I’m giddy over this novel. I feel wooed. Jock Row wooed the hell out of me, seduced, charmed, and captivated me, in a way I can’t describe. It’s undoubtedly a TOP FAV must read romance.
Scarlett Ripley is a good girl—a responsible, hard-working, tell-it-like-it is person. Just getting over a cold and feeling kind of cooped up, she decides to take a night out and escape to a frat party with two of her girlfriends. However, when she gets there she encounters two lying d-bags, who she feels the need to set straight.
Rowdy Wade is the captain of the Baseball team. As the leader, his job is to keep the guys in good spirit. Unfortunately (or rather fortunately :: cue winky face) he’s tasked with escorting Scarlet out of the Baseball house, thus thwarting anymore attempts she might make at cock blocking his guys. However, what Rowdy doesn’t anticipate is that Scarlet is like no one he’s ever met, she has spirit, fight, a strong will, and slowly something forms between them, a friendship that could very well be a game changer.
And man, what a story this is. What a delicious, romantic ride. What a total swoonfest. I'm so enamored. So smitten. So absolutely enchanted. Light and sweet, engaging and addicting, Sara hits it out of the park with an unforgettable home run. Jock Row stole my attention in the first chapter, and I found it impossible to put down all the way to the end. Refreshing, this simple, angstless romance brought it's A game. Scarlett’s a lovable heroine who has a feisty edge that'll make you laugh. The banter between her and Rowdy—who is the sexiest, most decadent hero—was hilarious and dreamy. And frankly, I’m don't think you can get through this book without having a swoonfest. It is by far one of the dreamiest, most heartfelt NA romances I’ve ever read.
Overall, I found Jock Row charming and romantic, delicious and sweet, and I don’t think it gets better than this. I recommend it to anyone who loves to be romanced, to be ensnared by a novel. This was one magical ride I never wanted to end and I can't fangirl over it enough. I feel sufficiently wooed by every word and ready to force it on all my reader friends. (LOL).
*** Thank you to Inkslingers PR for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2018
Review at Of Pens and Pages.
What to expect from Jock Row: Friends to lovers romance between two lovable characters, great build up, sizzling sexual tension, plus little to no angst.
After a night out with her friends at a party in Jock Row—the Greek Row equivalent of the street for athletes' housing—Scarlett Ripley has gained a reputation as a 'Jock Block,' a 'cock block' for athletes. It wasn't her fault the guys who were coming unto her friends had terrible game. She just couldn't help it! Because of her reputation, she's barred from entering the parties, and "Rowdy" Wade, captain of the baseball team, is the one in charge of keeping her out.
Despite knowing she can't get inside Baseball house, Scarlett keeps coming back week after week. That first Friday, she had so much fun talking to Rowdy even though she got kicked out, and she has a feeling it will be just as fun if she comes back. It seems the feeling is mutual because Rowdy is always outside, waiting for her.
Rowdy is intrigued by Ripley. She's obviously not a party girl, what with her tote bag and layers and layers of clothes ready for the winter, but she goes to take care of her wayward friends. She's funny, unguarded, and will tell it like it is. He's looking forward to Fridays now because then they can play Have You Ever and eat whatever's in her bag.
It's become a routine for them to sit outside every Friday, play games and eat takeout. Ripley's incredibly hot guard has become her friend, and with the way things are going, maybe even more.
Rowdy and Scarlett are so freaking adorable! I smiled, giggled, and swooned the whole time because these two are just too much. They were sweet and cute without being cringe-y and corny. This book is very character-driven and mostly focused on the growing relationship between Rowdy and Scarlett, and you know what, I'm absolutely okay with that.
Since the focus was primarily on their relationship, it was well-paced, and the slow-burn was fantastic. I'm a sucker for some slow-burn, and Sara Ney nailed it. It was perfect for Rowdy and Scarlett because these two pure children of mine started out as reluctant friends to close confidants secretly lusting over each other. The friendship had to grow first for the feelings to go deep, and they got that.
My boy Rowdy was just too sweet. Ugh, he's thoughtful, affectionate, and smart. I just can't handle the overflowing feels whenever he's affectionate with Scarlett. I want to wrap him up and keep him for myself. There was this scene that I won't specify because spoiler, but I fell in love with him there with how earnest and amazing his relationship is with his parents.
And I just have to say, I agree with Rowdy when he said Scarlett's friends are t r a s h. You don't leave your friend, who is sick by the way, out on their own just so you could chase after men. Nope. I'm glad I didn't see much of her "friends" after that.
I can't wait to read more Jock Hard books. Is it Ben? Derek? Or someone else?
You want a sweet, adorable, slow-burn college romance? Then you will love Jock Row by Sara Ney. Seriously. I was smiling the whole time when I was reading this book.
Tropes: College, Friends to Lovers, Sports—Baseball
POV: First Person, Dual POV
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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December 20, 2018
If you haven't read this sweet college romance yet, now is the time. Jock Row is sweet, sexy and one of those feel-good romance that everyone needs now and then. The author delivered her signature wit and sass and had me smiling and chuckling throughout the book. At this point I can say with certainty that I LOVE the authors writing style. It works for me. It gives me the warm and happy feeling I come to expect.
I personally love college romances, it's one of my favorite tropes and I'm very happy to be able to count SN as one fo the authors that excel in NA college books.
Jock Row was a slow burn romance featuring one of he swooniest heroes. "Rowdy" Wade is perfection. Sweet, funny, and after the first meeting dedicated to keeping an eye on Scarlett. Their encounters were utterly sweet, touching, and sexy. Honestly the entire book was one long and satisfying collection of Friday night meets, that kept the story flowing in an unhurriedly unique and entirely fulfilling way.
Scarlett convinced with her confident, sassy, and ballsy personality. Smart mouthed and cheeky she conquered any situation. Her self-assured demeanor was irresistible to Rowdy, and together they made me laugh.
Rowdy was one of those typical cocky athlete. Good looking, fawned over, and desired by every gold digger on campus. Unexpectedly and delighted by it, he found in Scarlett someone that didn't give a hoot about who he was. And their nightly meet ups became much more than either ever anticipated.
Like I mentioned at the beginning, Jock Row was sweet, low on angst and drama free - just an all around feel-good book. If you need an uplifting read that delights and makes you chuckle Jock Row is the book for you. Don't pass up the chance to see Rowdy and Scarlett in action, they deserve to be picked up and read about.
I personally love college romances, it's one of my favorite tropes and I'm very happy to be able to count SN as one fo the authors that excel in NA college books.
Jock Row was a slow burn romance featuring one of he swooniest heroes. "Rowdy" Wade is perfection. Sweet, funny, and after the first meeting dedicated to keeping an eye on Scarlett. Their encounters were utterly sweet, touching, and sexy. Honestly the entire book was one long and satisfying collection of Friday night meets, that kept the story flowing in an unhurriedly unique and entirely fulfilling way.
Scarlett convinced with her confident, sassy, and ballsy personality. Smart mouthed and cheeky she conquered any situation. Her self-assured demeanor was irresistible to Rowdy, and together they made me laugh.
Rowdy was one of those typical cocky athlete. Good looking, fawned over, and desired by every gold digger on campus. Unexpectedly and delighted by it, he found in Scarlett someone that didn't give a hoot about who he was. And their nightly meet ups became much more than either ever anticipated.
Like I mentioned at the beginning, Jock Row was sweet, low on angst and drama free - just an all around feel-good book. If you need an uplifting read that delights and makes you chuckle Jock Row is the book for you. Don't pass up the chance to see Rowdy and Scarlett in action, they deserve to be picked up and read about.
May 2, 2018
TOP RECOMMENDATION AND IT'S LIVE ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2FBe9wo
5 cute stars
Whatever I say isn't enough to express how much I loved Jock Row!So cute,sweet,heartwarming,funny and hot!I had a smile on my face most of the time and I was swooning with these two!
Scarlett and Rowdy were flirty,funny,intense and they have an amazing chemistry!I adored them and I loved their conversations!The way they met was funny and I love every minute of these two together!Rowdy is the perfect book boyfriend, he is so cute,sweet and sexy and Scarlett is so funny I could easily relate with her!!
Jock Row was amazing, it goes in my top favorite for this year and one of my favorite books from Sara!I can't wait for the next book!!
5 cute stars
Whatever I say isn't enough to express how much I loved Jock Row!So cute,sweet,heartwarming,funny and hot!I had a smile on my face most of the time and I was swooning with these two!
Scarlett and Rowdy were flirty,funny,intense and they have an amazing chemistry!I adored them and I loved their conversations!The way they met was funny and I love every minute of these two together!Rowdy is the perfect book boyfriend, he is so cute,sweet and sexy and Scarlett is so funny I could easily relate with her!!
Jock Row was amazing, it goes in my top favorite for this year and one of my favorite books from Sara!I can't wait for the next book!!
September 23, 2018
DNF big time!!! . . how in the hell did this get so many 5-star ratings?! oh wait there must be a large YA population that doesn't know better.
Unless you want to torture yourself reading a mundane dialogue between 2 high school kids (that are actually suppose to be in college) do yourself a favor and skip it!
2-stars for no grammatical errors, go figure.
Unless you want to torture yourself reading a mundane dialogue between 2 high school kids (that are actually suppose to be in college) do yourself a favor and skip it!
2-stars for no grammatical errors, go figure.
September 8, 2019
Funny heroine that made me smile. I liked this couple and and the way their relationship progressed
July 15, 2021
Conversations with the hot guy!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: 💋💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 👨🏻👱🏻♀️🧔🏻👩🏻
The heroine: Scarlett - She goes to a party on Jock Row and when some baseball jocks start giving her friends lines and lies, she calls them on it and makes fun of them which angers them. They have the team captain remove her from the party.
The Hero(es): “Rowdy” Wade - He is a baseball player who draws the short straw and has to remove the “cock-blocker” from the party at the baseball house. He is arrogant yet also intelligent and he refuses to let Scarlett back into the party even if he has to stay outside with her.
The Story: Scarlett takes a shine to Rowdy and comes back with her friends to the next party kind of hoping she would be barred from the party again with the same jailer keeping her outside. Wade is told as soon as she arrives and stays outside with her, telling her she is still not allowed to party.
The first half of the book has the two main characters exchanging banter back and forth on the front steps of the baseball house during parties. I kind of like it when the main characters actually attend parties or do things other than just talk between the two of them. That would be awesome in a real romance but it got a bit boring reading it. The story got better, but will deduct some because of this.
The two main characters did have chemistry and there were some great scenes. I did love their games (Never have I Ever, This or That, etc…). It was especially funny when they were trying to get each other drunk.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: 💋💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 👨🏻👱🏻♀️🧔🏻👩🏻
The heroine: Scarlett - She goes to a party on Jock Row and when some baseball jocks start giving her friends lines and lies, she calls them on it and makes fun of them which angers them. They have the team captain remove her from the party.
The Hero(es): “Rowdy” Wade - He is a baseball player who draws the short straw and has to remove the “cock-blocker” from the party at the baseball house. He is arrogant yet also intelligent and he refuses to let Scarlett back into the party even if he has to stay outside with her.
The Story: Scarlett takes a shine to Rowdy and comes back with her friends to the next party kind of hoping she would be barred from the party again with the same jailer keeping her outside. Wade is told as soon as she arrives and stays outside with her, telling her she is still not allowed to party.
The first half of the book has the two main characters exchanging banter back and forth on the front steps of the baseball house during parties. I kind of like it when the main characters actually attend parties or do things other than just talk between the two of them. That would be awesome in a real romance but it got a bit boring reading it. The story got better, but will deduct some because of this.
The two main characters did have chemistry and there were some great scenes. I did love their games (Never have I Ever, This or That, etc…). It was especially funny when they were trying to get each other drunk.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
July 11, 2018
sweet. funny. nauseatingly adorable. happy tears inducing.
August 12, 2018
DNF @ 20%
I can’t do it. It’s all so cringe worthy. From the characters to the fact the phrase “cock blocker” was used like twenty times. It’s not good. The writing is cheesy and the friends in this book absolutely suck. There is also some hardcore “not like other girls” themes and slut shaming undertones I don’t support. I don’t really have any more to say. I just can’t handle cringing anymore.
I can’t do it. It’s all so cringe worthy. From the characters to the fact the phrase “cock blocker” was used like twenty times. It’s not good. The writing is cheesy and the friends in this book absolutely suck. There is also some hardcore “not like other girls” themes and slut shaming undertones I don’t support. I don’t really have any more to say. I just can’t handle cringing anymore.
May 4, 2018
4.5 STARS
I really enjoyed this story and those porch scenes were fabulous!
I really enjoyed this story and those porch scenes were fabulous!
July 24, 2023
FOUR POINT FIVE STARS
NEVER HAVE I EVER read a book with a fun ‘meet-cute.’
Rowdy, captain of his college baseball team, has been designated to get rid of the girl at the party that is cockblocking his teammates. Scarlett may be banished to the porch during the party but she doesn’t let that stop her from ”annoying” Rowdy.
NEVER HAVE I EVER been a fan of frenemies tropes.
Friends to lovers tropes are fun to read because they usually have a lot of fun bantering going on between the two main characters. And this book delivers in that department. Scarlett challenges Rowdy and his friends on why she’s getting kicked out of the party.
NEVER HAVE I EVER played drinking games without alcohol.
To past time while Scarlett waited for her friends who were still welcomed at the party, Scarlett and Rowdy pass the time with drinking games sans alcohol. It turned out to be a great way to figure out each others likes and dislikes.
NEVER HAVE I EVER related to a character in a book.
Rowdy’s mom was great. When he told Scarlett about how he told his parents about her and his mom spent an hour InstaGram stalking her, I laughed out loud because whenever my teens tell me they’re dating someone I check that person’s social media accounts. My kids find it weird but I want to know who they’re hanging out with.
JOCK ROW is the first book in the series in Jock Hard series. It is a standalone book set in Iowa. A college romance told in dual POVs. For sports romance fans you won’t want to miss out on this fun love story. I’m looking forward more books in this series. Ms. Ney has a great way of writing sports romance.
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
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NEVER HAVE I EVER read a book with a fun ‘meet-cute.’
Rowdy, captain of his college baseball team, has been designated to get rid of the girl at the party that is cockblocking his teammates. Scarlett may be banished to the porch during the party but she doesn’t let that stop her from ”annoying” Rowdy.
NEVER HAVE I EVER been a fan of frenemies tropes.
Friends to lovers tropes are fun to read because they usually have a lot of fun bantering going on between the two main characters. And this book delivers in that department. Scarlett challenges Rowdy and his friends on why she’s getting kicked out of the party.
NEVER HAVE I EVER played drinking games without alcohol.
To past time while Scarlett waited for her friends who were still welcomed at the party, Scarlett and Rowdy pass the time with drinking games sans alcohol. It turned out to be a great way to figure out each others likes and dislikes.
NEVER HAVE I EVER related to a character in a book.
Rowdy’s mom was great. When he told Scarlett about how he told his parents about her and his mom spent an hour InstaGram stalking her, I laughed out loud because whenever my teens tell me they’re dating someone I check that person’s social media accounts. My kids find it weird but I want to know who they’re hanging out with.
JOCK ROW is the first book in the series in Jock Hard series. It is a standalone book set in Iowa. A college romance told in dual POVs. For sports romance fans you won’t want to miss out on this fun love story. I’m looking forward more books in this series. Ms. Ney has a great way of writing sports romance.
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
Follow Foxy Blogs at: Blog ♥ Twitter ♥ Instagram ♥ Facebook
April 30, 2018
★★★★ 4.5 Stars ★★★★
This was super cute! Sweet, but not gag-worthy - it was a slow burn, character-driven story and I LOVED IT!
Rowdy Wade the captain of the University of Iowa baseball team is tasked with evicting nerdy Scarlett from the Friday night party on Jock Row for being a cock blocker, but the sassy girl refusing to leave takes him by surprise. He can't resist her cute dimples and she can't resist his banter, so she keeps coming back and they form an unexpected friendship, Friday becomes their new favourite day of the week!
I swooned so hard over this book, the connection that they slowly built was a joy to read, and being a sucker for a slow burn romance, I ate this one up. Fantastic, genuine characters - I am really excited about this whole series.
This was super cute! Sweet, but not gag-worthy - it was a slow burn, character-driven story and I LOVED IT!
Rowdy Wade the captain of the University of Iowa baseball team is tasked with evicting nerdy Scarlett from the Friday night party on Jock Row for being a cock blocker, but the sassy girl refusing to leave takes him by surprise. He can't resist her cute dimples and she can't resist his banter, so she keeps coming back and they form an unexpected friendship, Friday becomes their new favourite day of the week!
I swooned so hard over this book, the connection that they slowly built was a joy to read, and being a sucker for a slow burn romance, I ate this one up. Fantastic, genuine characters - I am really excited about this whole series.
June 20, 2018
…and this is why I don’t read teasers.
Funny story…I was on Amazon checking out books and I skimmed over a cover and did a double take. A SARA NEY!!! Now, you may be surprised, but I’m a shocking fan when it comes to my favourite authors. I sometimes keep up to date when they have new releases, sometimes not. You know, life gets busy, too many emails, too many Facebook posts, yadda, yadda, yadda. Anyways, I didn’t realise Sara Ney had a new book coming out. So, I checked out the blurb, read it and stopped. I went back to the beginning and read it again…and again…and once more for good luck. Something was terribly wrong. See, I felt like I had already read this story.
Now, while you’re all laughing yourselves silly…
I was really worried. Like really, really worried. I’ve chatted (in group discussions) with Sara Ney a couple of times and found her lovely. Should I tell her of my worries? Am I the right person to let her know that I’ve read something really similar? I even started to question my memory. Maybe, I’m wrong.
Being the absolute worry wart that I am, I couldn’t bring myself to be the bearer of bad news. So I buried my head in the sand and decided to let things play out.
THANK BLOODY HELL I DID!!!
Weeks later, the release is a HUGE success and nobody was reporting of deja vu or same old same old. This made me stop and think…like, really think. So, I got the blurb up again on Goodreads, did comparisons of all her stories and tried to work out where I had seen this storyline before.
What an absolute spaz!! I FINALLY remembered that it was the teaser at the end of Switch Hitter. I wasted weeks. A smack to my forehead, but jeez I’m glad I finally worked it out.
I really enjoyed Jock Row. I loved the characters, the storyline and the relationship that blossomed. Scarlett and Rowdy impressed me that they were friends before lovers. I loved that they were original, kind of nerdy and worked hard to get ahead. She wasn’t impressed with his status and he was impressed because she wasn’t. Scarlett appreciated his looks but loved his personality. Rowdy was curious about Scarlett as she wasn’t like all the other women throwing themselves at him. A few Friday nights in each other’s company, sitting on a porch, playing games and talking, it was the best start to a relationship.
The story was great, the sexy times were SEXY and I loved getting to know Rowdy and Scarlett better. But, the highlight for me was something that Sara New acknowledged at the end of the book. Scarlett and Rowdy did not want drama for the heck of drama in their story. Alle-bloody-luia! How good is THAT? Sure, I kept turning each page expecting the worst, but geez I was ecstatic when it didn’t happen. I even took a deep sigh and my goofy grin got goofier when at the end of the story I was left satisfied. I wasn’t thinking happy for now thoughts, I believed they could make it.
So, this goofy and spazzy reviewer FINALLY got to reading Jock Row and I’m so glad that I didn’t message Sara Ney. No more teasers for me.
Funny story…I was on Amazon checking out books and I skimmed over a cover and did a double take. A SARA NEY!!! Now, you may be surprised, but I’m a shocking fan when it comes to my favourite authors. I sometimes keep up to date when they have new releases, sometimes not. You know, life gets busy, too many emails, too many Facebook posts, yadda, yadda, yadda. Anyways, I didn’t realise Sara Ney had a new book coming out. So, I checked out the blurb, read it and stopped. I went back to the beginning and read it again…and again…and once more for good luck. Something was terribly wrong. See, I felt like I had already read this story.
Now, while you’re all laughing yourselves silly…
I was really worried. Like really, really worried. I’ve chatted (in group discussions) with Sara Ney a couple of times and found her lovely. Should I tell her of my worries? Am I the right person to let her know that I’ve read something really similar? I even started to question my memory. Maybe, I’m wrong.
Being the absolute worry wart that I am, I couldn’t bring myself to be the bearer of bad news. So I buried my head in the sand and decided to let things play out.
THANK BLOODY HELL I DID!!!
Weeks later, the release is a HUGE success and nobody was reporting of deja vu or same old same old. This made me stop and think…like, really think. So, I got the blurb up again on Goodreads, did comparisons of all her stories and tried to work out where I had seen this storyline before.
What an absolute spaz!! I FINALLY remembered that it was the teaser at the end of Switch Hitter. I wasted weeks. A smack to my forehead, but jeez I’m glad I finally worked it out.
I really enjoyed Jock Row. I loved the characters, the storyline and the relationship that blossomed. Scarlett and Rowdy impressed me that they were friends before lovers. I loved that they were original, kind of nerdy and worked hard to get ahead. She wasn’t impressed with his status and he was impressed because she wasn’t. Scarlett appreciated his looks but loved his personality. Rowdy was curious about Scarlett as she wasn’t like all the other women throwing themselves at him. A few Friday nights in each other’s company, sitting on a porch, playing games and talking, it was the best start to a relationship.
The story was great, the sexy times were SEXY and I loved getting to know Rowdy and Scarlett better. But, the highlight for me was something that Sara New acknowledged at the end of the book. Scarlett and Rowdy did not want drama for the heck of drama in their story. Alle-bloody-luia! How good is THAT? Sure, I kept turning each page expecting the worst, but geez I was ecstatic when it didn’t happen. I even took a deep sigh and my goofy grin got goofier when at the end of the story I was left satisfied. I wasn’t thinking happy for now thoughts, I believed they could make it.
So, this goofy and spazzy reviewer FINALLY got to reading Jock Row and I’m so glad that I didn’t message Sara Ney. No more teasers for me.
April 25, 2024
No. Absolutely not.
Rant incoming.
DNF @ 5% which is an abysmal place to DNF but alas here I am.
I couldn't make it past the first chapter. The main character, Scarlett, is horrific. The first chapter consists of Scarlett going along with her friends to a party at the baseball house but she makes a big stink about wearing a sweater and scarf when her friends tell her that she's going to be roasting at this party. As a past college party-goer, I have to concur with the friends that going to a party with a sweater that you aren't planning on taking off is the equivalent of sitting in the 9th circle of hell.
So of course Scarlett does get hot once she goes to this party, and I guess she gets heat stroke or something because girl loses her mind. She's itching in her sweater and goes to the fridge that has an "OFF LIMITS" sign and proceeds to ignore it and take some waters bc this girl is dying in the 9th circle.
She then finds her two girlfriends flirting with some guys from the team and what does she do? Attempt to be the most awkward, obnoxious and rude person imaginable. She's sooo embarrassing.
One of the guys is attempting an (admittedly) lame but harmless pickup line on her friend and it seems like Scarlett's friend is feeling it. But Scarlett has to butt in:
Can someone get this girl away from parties? Please? Also the fact that she thinks she's being flirtatious means she needs to get her brain checked.
AND THEN
The guys realize that she stole water bottles from their fridge. And they call her out- rightfully so.
God this girl sucks. Anyway, she is the worst heroine I've read in the past 2 years and that's saying something. Haven't even met the hero yet lol but this girl is irredeemable and I want her to die alone and stay single forever. That's how much I detested her. Honestly it's a skill to get me to hate a character this much in like one chapter but Sara Ney managed.
Rant incoming.
DNF @ 5% which is an abysmal place to DNF but alas here I am.
I couldn't make it past the first chapter. The main character, Scarlett, is horrific. The first chapter consists of Scarlett going along with her friends to a party at the baseball house but she makes a big stink about wearing a sweater and scarf when her friends tell her that she's going to be roasting at this party. As a past college party-goer, I have to concur with the friends that going to a party with a sweater that you aren't planning on taking off is the equivalent of sitting in the 9th circle of hell.
So of course Scarlett does get hot once she goes to this party, and I guess she gets heat stroke or something because girl loses her mind. She's itching in her sweater and goes to the fridge that has an "OFF LIMITS" sign and proceeds to ignore it and take some waters bc this girl is dying in the 9th circle.
She then finds her two girlfriends flirting with some guys from the team and what does she do? Attempt to be the most awkward, obnoxious and rude person imaginable. She's sooo embarrassing.
One of the guys is attempting an (admittedly) lame but harmless pickup line on her friend and it seems like Scarlett's friend is feeling it. But Scarlett has to butt in:
“Tessa, it’s…you know—a pick-up line? It goes like this.” I lower my voice, doing my best impression of a man. “There’s something wrong with my phone—because your name isn’t in it.” My head wobbles back and forth as I deliver the moronic sentence. “Get it? I read it online, probably Buzzfeed? There was this whole long list of the world’s shittiest pick-up lines, and that one topped it.”
When I do happen a glance up, it’s into a set of scowling eyes.
“Don’t get mad.” I awkwardly laugh, pulling at my neckline. “Get better lines. Those are awful.” My flirtatious giggle goes unappreciated. “Oh come on, I’m trying to help you! That was a pro tip.”
Can someone get this girl away from parties? Please? Also the fact that she thinks she's being flirtatious means she needs to get her brain checked.
AND THEN
The guys realize that she stole water bottles from their fridge. And they call her out- rightfully so.
“His eyes narrow. “We keep the fridge locked during parties.”
My brows rise into my hairline. “You do?”
“Yeah. So no one takes shit.” Like you just did. “Did you miss the big sign that says OFF LIMITS?”
My cheeks are on fire. No way is he accusing me of stealing from the house; it’s just a bottle of water, from a fridge that was open. Sure, it had a lock on it, and sure, there might have been a sign, but the fridge was open nonetheless.
Crap.
“I’m sorry,” I say sincerely. “I didn’t realize it was supposed to be locked. It opened right up.” All I had to do was fiddle with the handle a few seconds, and presto—all the drinks for me!
He glances down his nose at me for the second time tonight, silently judging me. “Maybe instead of sucking down that stolen water, you should have a beer—or five, since—”
“You seem so uptight,” Ben finishes.”
God this girl sucks. Anyway, she is the worst heroine I've read in the past 2 years and that's saying something. Haven't even met the hero yet lol but this girl is irredeemable and I want her to die alone and stay single forever. That's how much I detested her. Honestly it's a skill to get me to hate a character this much in like one chapter but Sara Ney managed.
August 13, 2018
Great story as I've come to expect from Sara Ney.
It's your typical NA college coed type of story she writes so well.
Will definitely continue this series.
June 21, 2020
You guys, this book is super super cute. The perfect meet cute and that dates on Friday is super romantic. Scarlett and Rowdy embodies all the college years I had and wish to have.
So cute. Even the banter is cute. With a simple game 20 questions they found their HEA. Rhe story flows perfectly. Not too dragging and not too fast. The characters development takes time to develop their chemistry.
Overall this is a enjoyable read for self impose weekend.
4 stars
So cute. Even the banter is cute. With a simple game 20 questions they found their HEA. Rhe story flows perfectly. Not too dragging and not too fast. The characters development takes time to develop their chemistry.
Overall this is a enjoyable read for self impose weekend.
4 stars
May 4, 2018
Bad news first: It’s NA. So, anyone who dislikes NA, it’s probably best to avoid this book.
Good news: It’s drama free, despite being NA! And I mean drama free. Nothing. Nada. Null. Drama.
I just deleted a huge chunk of this review, recounting a few events, giving examples as to how this one differs from the usual NA shizzle, ladida ladida. Jock Row is a silly title and totally appropriate for a NA novel. That said, it’s Sara Ney, and to me she still writes them better than most.
Yet, despite the utter cuteness of Scarlet and Rowdy, their truly funny banter, the intense sexual chemistry that Sara Ney builds up slowly - and yes, this is a proper slow burn - this is her weakest novel I have read so far.
Two reasons:
(1) The almost total absence of secondary characters. It’s only at the beginning when Scarlett has her two friends with her, and at the end, when Rowdy’s parents are around, that we see them interacting with others. Secondary characters can be annoying, as we all know, but usually they have a supportive role, a sounding board as well as a mirror for the main characters. This isn’t a really a problem in the first half of the book but becomes tedious in the second half. By that time, they have established what they want from each other, and though they don’t do the deed until past the 80% mark, it’s mostly all about sex. And – quite frankly – I found it tiring.
(2) The absence of secondary characters actually leads to the next problem I had. In non-NA novels we call it conflict, in NA novels drama. There’s none in Jock Row and the author even remarked upon it. Conflict/drama is always such a double-edged sword, isn’t it? It’s common knowledge that it’s mostly overdone. But having no conflict at all? Around 50-60% the reader knows Scarlet and Rowdy are going to have sex, the question was just ‘when’. And this ‘when’ became – despite their beautiful and believable growth as a couple – drawn out to the extreme. I was ready to wave a sign or flag:
So, that leaves me with a little dilemma. I cringed my way through the first 15%, but at the same time, I could see how Sara Ney questioned the stereotypes so popular in sports NA’s (by the way, there’s little to no sports in this book), and yet she used them herself. The next 35-40% were great, and the last part was me thinking ‘Oh, get going already.’
I liked Jock Row but didn’t love it, but neither did I hate it. I found Scarlett and Rowdy cute but not really emotionally engaging. I liked the story but wasn’t overwhelmed. See the pattern? It’s a neither/nor book, a ‘hmpf’ book.
Tepid. That’s the right word for the book. But still good tepid, if there’s such a thing. I do enjoy this author’s books, NA or not.
Oh, one last thing and I am putting this under a spoiler tag for a reason, so don’t read it if you don’t want to know:
Good news: It’s drama free, despite being NA! And I mean drama free. Nothing. Nada. Null. Drama.
I just deleted a huge chunk of this review, recounting a few events, giving examples as to how this one differs from the usual NA shizzle, ladida ladida. Jock Row is a silly title and totally appropriate for a NA novel. That said, it’s Sara Ney, and to me she still writes them better than most.
Yet, despite the utter cuteness of Scarlet and Rowdy, their truly funny banter, the intense sexual chemistry that Sara Ney builds up slowly - and yes, this is a proper slow burn - this is her weakest novel I have read so far.
Two reasons:
(1) The almost total absence of secondary characters. It’s only at the beginning when Scarlett has her two friends with her, and at the end, when Rowdy’s parents are around, that we see them interacting with others. Secondary characters can be annoying, as we all know, but usually they have a supportive role, a sounding board as well as a mirror for the main characters. This isn’t a really a problem in the first half of the book but becomes tedious in the second half. By that time, they have established what they want from each other, and though they don’t do the deed until past the 80% mark, it’s mostly all about sex. And – quite frankly – I found it tiring.
(2) The absence of secondary characters actually leads to the next problem I had. In non-NA novels we call it conflict, in NA novels drama. There’s none in Jock Row and the author even remarked upon it. Conflict/drama is always such a double-edged sword, isn’t it? It’s common knowledge that it’s mostly overdone. But having no conflict at all? Around 50-60% the reader knows Scarlet and Rowdy are going to have sex, the question was just ‘when’. And this ‘when’ became – despite their beautiful and believable growth as a couple – drawn out to the extreme. I was ready to wave a sign or flag:
So, that leaves me with a little dilemma. I cringed my way through the first 15%, but at the same time, I could see how Sara Ney questioned the stereotypes so popular in sports NA’s (by the way, there’s little to no sports in this book), and yet she used them herself. The next 35-40% were great, and the last part was me thinking ‘Oh, get going already.’
I liked Jock Row but didn’t love it, but neither did I hate it. I found Scarlett and Rowdy cute but not really emotionally engaging. I liked the story but wasn’t overwhelmed. See the pattern? It’s a neither/nor book, a ‘hmpf’ book.
Tepid. That’s the right word for the book. But still good tepid, if there’s such a thing. I do enjoy this author’s books, NA or not.
Oh, one last thing and I am putting this under a spoiler tag for a reason, so don’t read it if you don’t want to know:
May 18, 2021
4.5-5 stars ✨
What started out as enemies (really it was foreplay), turned out to be the sweetest lovers. This book, Sterling & Scarlet, turned out to be one of the sweetest, sexiest romances ever! I love watching them fall in love with each other. I loved how “Rowdy” handled Scarlet’s virginity and for the love of Christmas I love a jock with a dirty mouth. He knew just what to say and when to say it..*cough* *clears throat*
This was my first Sara Ney book, and I am HOOKED!!
What started out as enemies (really it was foreplay), turned out to be the sweetest lovers. This book, Sterling & Scarlet, turned out to be one of the sweetest, sexiest romances ever! I love watching them fall in love with each other. I loved how “Rowdy” handled Scarlet’s virginity and for the love of Christmas I love a jock with a dirty mouth. He knew just what to say and when to say it..*cough* *clears throat*
This was my first Sara Ney book, and I am HOOKED!!
March 11, 2023
Finalizing my rating to 3 stars.
I definitely enjoyed this book overall. There were a bunch of cute moments, and I really enjoyed the overall concept in the plot. However, I am rating it a bit lower than I originally anticipated because I never got completely behind the romance. There were moments where I felt completely disconnected from the story, and it lessened my enjoyment of it overall.
Overall, I would say that I would recommend this book. It was a solid new adult romance, and has a sports element as well. Even though it was not a book I absolutely loved, I am glad I read it and enjoyed it overall.
I definitely enjoyed this book overall. There were a bunch of cute moments, and I really enjoyed the overall concept in the plot. However, I am rating it a bit lower than I originally anticipated because I never got completely behind the romance. There were moments where I felt completely disconnected from the story, and it lessened my enjoyment of it overall.
Overall, I would say that I would recommend this book. It was a solid new adult romance, and has a sports element as well. Even though it was not a book I absolutely loved, I am glad I read it and enjoyed it overall.
May 9, 2018
5 ***Absolute Perfection*** Stars
Oh, this book...I loved every single minute. This was my sweet spot, everything from the witty banter, to the expertly written slow burn and perfect tension, I was never frustrated and my god was it hot. I’m so glad I saw Amy’s review otherwise I would have missed out on one of my favorite reads of the year. I highly recommend!
** I loved this one so much I went ahead and bought a copy to keep, something I rarely do with Kindle Unlimited books, but I knew I’d want to read this again...perfect when I need a pick me up!!**
Oh, this book...I loved every single minute. This was my sweet spot, everything from the witty banter, to the expertly written slow burn and perfect tension, I was never frustrated and my god was it hot. I’m so glad I saw Amy’s review otherwise I would have missed out on one of my favorite reads of the year. I highly recommend!
** I loved this one so much I went ahead and bought a copy to keep, something I rarely do with Kindle Unlimited books, but I knew I’d want to read this again...perfect when I need a pick me up!!**
Read
June 4, 2020Oh well... didn't expected this, but I am bored to death here. Nothing happens. Its not juicy , not thrilling , nothing memorable basically. Maybe I m just in a wrong mood for this, but I ll just DNF for now at about 50%. Might pick it up another time,because it not that I hate it, its just I can't be bothered at all.
April 30, 2018
*ARC provided by the author for an honest review*
So cute and sexy!
I really enjoyed this book. Scarlett and Rowdy are just so cute together. Scarlett has quite an unique personality. She isn't like her friends partying at Jock Row to bag themselves a baseball player or any athlete. She isn't a big fan of parties but she will put herself out there to spend time with her friends. Scarlett doesn't really care what people think about her. Even when she turns up at the party with a beige jumper that is making her sweat like crazy. She will even stand up to the baseball players that give her crap cause she isn't the typical girl that turns up at there parties. I love her for this she is also very sassy and gorgeous she just doesn't flaunt it.
Things are a lil different where Rowdy Wade is. He's the captain of the baseball team so everyone knows him and wants to be with him. But Rowdy is over the woman the parties hes been there done that. He can't deal with the clear chasers anymore he can see them a mile away. So when he sees this girl getting in the way of his team mate he takes one for the team and gets rid of her. He just doesn't know what he is getting himself into. Under the coat hat ear buffs and beige jumper is a sexy girl that he want to get to know more. He has never felt this way about a girl before.
I really enjoyed reading how things would go with Scarlett and Rowdy. They had great banter from the start. They got on so well they were so meant to be. She is the nerdy girls and he's the hot baseball player. I really enjoyed who this book was written. I 've enjoyed all the books that this author has written but I have to say I really enjoyed this. It's a lot different to the Douchbag Series. I m not going to lie I thought it mite be the same just different guys but it wasn't it was much better than I thought it would be. I don't know why I even doubted her. I luvd everything about this books. The main characters were so good and Rowdy mite have just took top spot out of all Sara's hot heros. There is just something about him that I just luv.
I would highly recommend this book. If you haven't read any of this authors work then I would read this. It's sweet hot funny the story flows so well. I couldn't get enough of it. I m really looking forward to more of this series.
So cute and sexy!
I really enjoyed this book. Scarlett and Rowdy are just so cute together. Scarlett has quite an unique personality. She isn't like her friends partying at Jock Row to bag themselves a baseball player or any athlete. She isn't a big fan of parties but she will put herself out there to spend time with her friends. Scarlett doesn't really care what people think about her. Even when she turns up at the party with a beige jumper that is making her sweat like crazy. She will even stand up to the baseball players that give her crap cause she isn't the typical girl that turns up at there parties. I love her for this she is also very sassy and gorgeous she just doesn't flaunt it.
Things are a lil different where Rowdy Wade is. He's the captain of the baseball team so everyone knows him and wants to be with him. But Rowdy is over the woman the parties hes been there done that. He can't deal with the clear chasers anymore he can see them a mile away. So when he sees this girl getting in the way of his team mate he takes one for the team and gets rid of her. He just doesn't know what he is getting himself into. Under the coat hat ear buffs and beige jumper is a sexy girl that he want to get to know more. He has never felt this way about a girl before.
I really enjoyed reading how things would go with Scarlett and Rowdy. They had great banter from the start. They got on so well they were so meant to be. She is the nerdy girls and he's the hot baseball player. I really enjoyed who this book was written. I 've enjoyed all the books that this author has written but I have to say I really enjoyed this. It's a lot different to the Douchbag Series. I m not going to lie I thought it mite be the same just different guys but it wasn't it was much better than I thought it would be. I don't know why I even doubted her. I luvd everything about this books. The main characters were so good and Rowdy mite have just took top spot out of all Sara's hot heros. There is just something about him that I just luv.
I would highly recommend this book. If you haven't read any of this authors work then I would read this. It's sweet hot funny the story flows so well. I couldn't get enough of it. I m really looking forward to more of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2018
4 Stars
Well, I popped my Sara Ney cherry. I didn’t think it would ever happen, but when a book is thrown in your face 24-7, you can’t but help but pick it up. Seriously her books are everywhere and everyone loves them.
I’ll admit I have picked up several of her books and couldn’t finish them. Maybe I wasn’t in the right mood or I didn’t want that kind of angst so it wasn’t a surprise that it took me two or three tries before I could finish Jock Row.
Everyone loved Jock Row and so I told myself I would read it and finish it. The first part of the book, mainly the first 30% of the book was a struggle for me. I love a dialogue based book and so that wasn’t a problem, but the problem of Scarlett getting to know Rowdy was tough. I mean, I wasn’t gritting my teeth or anything, but like I said I put down the book several times.
Asking each other questions and getting to know each other is cute in theory, but to read pages and pages of that. I could have done without that part.
I think maybe it was my mood, but after a few weeks I picked it back up and everything changed. I finally thought that maybe Scarlett was kind of adorable and Rowdy was really sweet and Jock Row wouldn’t be angsty.
I didn’t understand Scarlett at first, but as I read more and the book picked up it got better. Scarlett is an odd ball. She wears a sweater to a house party where the other girls are dressed like hookers. She says odd things and prevents her friends from hooking up.
I didn’t like Rowdy either, at first. I mean, he kicks her out of the party and prevents her from going back in. Who does that? And I didn’t like how Scarlett came back the next week, in the hope to see him.
But as the weeks went by and they kept on running into each other, the book got cute. I liked that they were the main focus of the book. I liked there wasn’t too many of the characters talking to other characters. I liked the sexual tension and the slow build up. You better believe there’s a lot of build up.
To my surprise the book is sweet and very low on angst. I love a good low angst book.
SO… I’m glad I pushed myself to finish it. I actually found a cute book.
Well, I popped my Sara Ney cherry. I didn’t think it would ever happen, but when a book is thrown in your face 24-7, you can’t but help but pick it up. Seriously her books are everywhere and everyone loves them.
I’ll admit I have picked up several of her books and couldn’t finish them. Maybe I wasn’t in the right mood or I didn’t want that kind of angst so it wasn’t a surprise that it took me two or three tries before I could finish Jock Row.
Everyone loved Jock Row and so I told myself I would read it and finish it. The first part of the book, mainly the first 30% of the book was a struggle for me. I love a dialogue based book and so that wasn’t a problem, but the problem of Scarlett getting to know Rowdy was tough. I mean, I wasn’t gritting my teeth or anything, but like I said I put down the book several times.
Asking each other questions and getting to know each other is cute in theory, but to read pages and pages of that. I could have done without that part.
I think maybe it was my mood, but after a few weeks I picked it back up and everything changed. I finally thought that maybe Scarlett was kind of adorable and Rowdy was really sweet and Jock Row wouldn’t be angsty.
I didn’t understand Scarlett at first, but as I read more and the book picked up it got better. Scarlett is an odd ball. She wears a sweater to a house party where the other girls are dressed like hookers. She says odd things and prevents her friends from hooking up.
I didn’t like Rowdy either, at first. I mean, he kicks her out of the party and prevents her from going back in. Who does that? And I didn’t like how Scarlett came back the next week, in the hope to see him.
But as the weeks went by and they kept on running into each other, the book got cute. I liked that they were the main focus of the book. I liked there wasn’t too many of the characters talking to other characters. I liked the sexual tension and the slow build up. You better believe there’s a lot of build up.
To my surprise the book is sweet and very low on angst. I love a good low angst book.
SO… I’m glad I pushed myself to finish it. I actually found a cute book.
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