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Saints and Sinners #3
Offsides
From Eden Butler, discover what happened to Gia Jilani, the last love of Luka Hale, in this interconnected standalone that concludes the Saints and Sinners series.
Gia Jilani had rules.
They kept her safe and her head in the game.
As the NFL's first female general manager, there were risks to be weighed and taken.
Like Kai Pukui, the linebacker helping her team dominate on the field.
The same quiet, beautiful man who stares too long at her and reminds her of how decadent and risky living life can be.
But when Gia discovers why Kai seems so familiar and why she feels so drawn to him, things like risks and love become secondary to loss and pain.
Gia will have to decide what's more important — a life worth risking or a love worth losing.
SAINTS AND SINNERS READING ORDER
Last Love of Luka Hale
Roughing the Kicker
Offsides
Gia Jilani had rules.
They kept her safe and her head in the game.
As the NFL's first female general manager, there were risks to be weighed and taken.
Like Kai Pukui, the linebacker helping her team dominate on the field.
The same quiet, beautiful man who stares too long at her and reminds her of how decadent and risky living life can be.
But when Gia discovers why Kai seems so familiar and why she feels so drawn to him, things like risks and love become secondary to loss and pain.
Gia will have to decide what's more important — a life worth risking or a love worth losing.
SAINTS AND SINNERS READING ORDER
Last Love of Luka Hale
Roughing the Kicker
Offsides
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2019
18 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Eden Butler
50 books1,635 followers
Eden Butler is a writer of contemporary, fantasy, and romantic suspense novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum.
When she's not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, Eden patiently waits for her Hogwarts letter, reads, and spends too much time in her garden perfecting her green thumb while waiting for the next New Orleans Saints Super Bowl win.
She is currently living under teenage rule alongside her husband in southeast Louisiana.
Please send help.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 17, 2019
I just finished this book last night and I'm, just gonna need a minute because I pretty much ugly cried thru every single page .... I'm an emotional mess.
It was worth every single emotion so go one-click RIGHT NOW!
If you’re going into this book as a first time reader of Eden’s then you probably won’t have as much of an emotional breakdown as I did when I read this story. I’m not a first timer. I know Gia’s past. I know her heartbreak. It’s not rainbows and gumdrops. While reading Offsides, I had a lot of flashbacks from when I read previous books and I’m not going to sugar-coat it, they were brutal. But enough about that LOL Let’s move on … but wait, before we move on, I just want to say that I highly recommend you read Thin Love and The Last Love of Luka Hale before you venture into this story. If for no other reason than just history. Trust me.
On the surface, this is an outstanding age-gap/workplace romance, but under that surface lies a heart-stomping story of growth, moving forward and acceptance. It’s a story of letting go of the past and accepting the here and now. It’s heart-breaking and beautiful. Your heart will break but it will soar. You will root for Gia because, fucking hell she deserves it! You will root for both Kai and Gia because together they are unstoppable!
Eden Butler ripped me apart with this one, but it was glorious. If you’re not reading her work you are truly missing out on a magnificent, captivating, and addictive reading experience.
It was worth every single emotion so go one-click RIGHT NOW!
If you’re going into this book as a first time reader of Eden’s then you probably won’t have as much of an emotional breakdown as I did when I read this story. I’m not a first timer. I know Gia’s past. I know her heartbreak. It’s not rainbows and gumdrops. While reading Offsides, I had a lot of flashbacks from when I read previous books and I’m not going to sugar-coat it, they were brutal. But enough about that LOL Let’s move on … but wait, before we move on, I just want to say that I highly recommend you read Thin Love and The Last Love of Luka Hale before you venture into this story. If for no other reason than just history. Trust me.
On the surface, this is an outstanding age-gap/workplace romance, but under that surface lies a heart-stomping story of growth, moving forward and acceptance. It’s a story of letting go of the past and accepting the here and now. It’s heart-breaking and beautiful. Your heart will break but it will soar. You will root for Gia because, fucking hell she deserves it! You will root for both Kai and Gia because together they are unstoppable!
Eden Butler ripped me apart with this one, but it was glorious. If you’re not reading her work you are truly missing out on a magnificent, captivating, and addictive reading experience.
February 17, 2021
A beautiful story of a love....lost
and of a love....found.
it's a story of letting go and finding the meaning of love all over again...
the story of Gia and Kai...
and of a love....found.
it's a story of letting go and finding the meaning of love all over again...
the story of Gia and Kai...
October 14, 2019
4 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2019
From Eden Butler, discover what happened to Gia Jilani, the last love of Luka Hale, in this interconnected standalone that concludes the Saints and Sinners series.
Gia Jilani had rules.
They kept her safe and her head in the game.
As the NFL's first female general manager, there were risks to be weighed and taken.
Like Kai Pukui, the linebacker helping her team dominate on the field.
The same quiet, beautiful man who stares too long at her and reminds her of how decadent and risky living life can be.
But when Gia discovers why Kai seems so familiar and why she feels so drawn to him, things like risks and love become secondary to loss and pain.
Gia will have to decide what's more important — a life worth risking or a love worth losing.
SAINTS AND SINNERS READING ORDER
Last Love of Luka Hale
Roughing the Kicker
Offsides
•••••••••
REVIEW: OFFSIDES is the third (and final) instalment in Eden Butler’s contemporary, adult SAINTS AND SINNERS erotic, romance series focusing on the professional football team the New Orleans Steamers. This is single father/ linebacker Kai Pukui, and general manager Gia Jilani’s story line . OFFSIDES can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading THIN LOVE (Thin Love #1), and LAST LOVE OF LUKA HALE (Saints and Sinners #1).
Told from dual third person perspectives (Gia and Kai) OFFSIDES follows the forbidden romance and relationship between twenty-eight year old, New Orleans Steamers’ linebacker Kai Pakui, and the NFL’s first female general manager, thirty-seven year old Gia Jilani. Gia Jilani is Kai Pakui’s boss, and struggles with her attraction to a man nine years her junior, as well as the bigger issue of being the boss. With Kai’s constant attempts at seduction, Gia battles with memories of the past, memories that have affected all of her other relationships. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Kai and Gia, and the potential fall-out as Gia struggles with the employee/employer dynamic, and the revelations that will break our heroine’s heart.
Kai Pukui is a single father who is financially responsible for everyone back home. But a loss in his life will bring his relationship with Gia to the forefront, a relationship that Gia wants kept hidden and behind closed doors. Gia Jilani doesn’t do relationships. Our heroine has loved and lost, and in this nothing and no one can compare to what she had twenty years earlier. Kai’s persistence begins to pay off until Gia discovers that the past has come full circle in more ways than one.
The relationship between Kai and Gia is an employee/employer relationship that struggles with Kai’s continuing efforts to seduce our story line heroine. Gia refuses to get caught up in an ‘office’ romance, a romance that could threaten her hard-fought place in the NFL. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Kai’s nine-year old daughter Keola, as well as Gia’s assistant Cat, as well as the reappearance of Kona Hale (Thin Love), and his son Ransom Hale (Thick Love).
OFFSIDES is a story of loss and grief; revelations and acceptance; moving forward and letting go of the past. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive and hot; the characters are colorful, energetic, broken but healing. OFFSIDES is sensitive and spicy story of second chances and happily ever afters.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2019
From Eden Butler, discover what happened to Gia Jilani, the last love of Luka Hale, in this interconnected standalone that concludes the Saints and Sinners series.
Gia Jilani had rules.
They kept her safe and her head in the game.
As the NFL's first female general manager, there were risks to be weighed and taken.
Like Kai Pukui, the linebacker helping her team dominate on the field.
The same quiet, beautiful man who stares too long at her and reminds her of how decadent and risky living life can be.
But when Gia discovers why Kai seems so familiar and why she feels so drawn to him, things like risks and love become secondary to loss and pain.
Gia will have to decide what's more important — a life worth risking or a love worth losing.
SAINTS AND SINNERS READING ORDER
Last Love of Luka Hale
Roughing the Kicker
Offsides
•••••••••
REVIEW: OFFSIDES is the third (and final) instalment in Eden Butler’s contemporary, adult SAINTS AND SINNERS erotic, romance series focusing on the professional football team the New Orleans Steamers. This is single father/ linebacker Kai Pukui, and general manager Gia Jilani’s story line . OFFSIDES can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading THIN LOVE (Thin Love #1), and LAST LOVE OF LUKA HALE (Saints and Sinners #1).
Told from dual third person perspectives (Gia and Kai) OFFSIDES follows the forbidden romance and relationship between twenty-eight year old, New Orleans Steamers’ linebacker Kai Pakui, and the NFL’s first female general manager, thirty-seven year old Gia Jilani. Gia Jilani is Kai Pakui’s boss, and struggles with her attraction to a man nine years her junior, as well as the bigger issue of being the boss. With Kai’s constant attempts at seduction, Gia battles with memories of the past, memories that have affected all of her other relationships. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Kai and Gia, and the potential fall-out as Gia struggles with the employee/employer dynamic, and the revelations that will break our heroine’s heart.
Kai Pukui is a single father who is financially responsible for everyone back home. But a loss in his life will bring his relationship with Gia to the forefront, a relationship that Gia wants kept hidden and behind closed doors. Gia Jilani doesn’t do relationships. Our heroine has loved and lost, and in this nothing and no one can compare to what she had twenty years earlier. Kai’s persistence begins to pay off until Gia discovers that the past has come full circle in more ways than one.
The relationship between Kai and Gia is an employee/employer relationship that struggles with Kai’s continuing efforts to seduce our story line heroine. Gia refuses to get caught up in an ‘office’ romance, a romance that could threaten her hard-fought place in the NFL. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Kai’s nine-year old daughter Keola, as well as Gia’s assistant Cat, as well as the reappearance of Kona Hale (Thin Love), and his son Ransom Hale (Thick Love).
OFFSIDES is a story of loss and grief; revelations and acceptance; moving forward and letting go of the past. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive and hot; the characters are colorful, energetic, broken but healing. OFFSIDES is sensitive and spicy story of second chances and happily ever afters.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
October 15, 2019
Offside was an enjoyable read that was packed full of emotion. These two characters were both very different from each other but they faced their own heartache throughout the story. I really loved the way they were so different and yet it was one of the things that made them work.
Gia was a strong woman that did not let anyone out it over her despite benign in a male-dominated field of work. I really loved the way that she stood up to others and she made sure all her players were treated equally. Gia was a strong character but she did face her own heartache making it hard for her to move on with her life.
Kai I really loved all throughout the story with his genuine good heart and the way that he looked after others. There were so many times throughout the story that Kai had me swooning with the sweet way that he treated Gia. I love the way that he was such a sweet guy but at the same time, he remained an alpha male as well as creating a perfect combination.
I really enjoyed these two characters and found that the secondary characters really added to the story. I really enjoyed the build-up of chemistry between the two characters throughout the story that really had me cheering for them to get together.
Gia was a strong woman that did not let anyone out it over her despite benign in a male-dominated field of work. I really loved the way that she stood up to others and she made sure all her players were treated equally. Gia was a strong character but she did face her own heartache making it hard for her to move on with her life.
Kai I really loved all throughout the story with his genuine good heart and the way that he looked after others. There were so many times throughout the story that Kai had me swooning with the sweet way that he treated Gia. I love the way that he was such a sweet guy but at the same time, he remained an alpha male as well as creating a perfect combination.
I really enjoyed these two characters and found that the secondary characters really added to the story. I really enjoyed the build-up of chemistry between the two characters throughout the story that really had me cheering for them to get together.
October 8, 2019
Gia has a romantic side to her, “you… you give me the kind of love that chases away the shadows.” Kai is a territorial man, “this is my bed and you’re in it,” he told her, his voice back to that tone that sounded like a seduction. “You’re in it with me. I won’t share you with anyone.” I liked this book, I liked Kai.
October 15, 2019
Gia and Kai are very much one of my new fav characters. I highly enjoyed this story
October 11, 2019
Offsides is a beautifully written forbidden love, sports romance that has all of the feels. There were moments when I was swooning as well as times where I was ugly crying. I loved Kai in that he is sexy, kind-hearted, and loyal. He is essentially an ideal book boyfriend! One cannot help, but admire his persistence when it comes to pursuing Gia. Gia endured a devastating heartbreak many years before and this has shaped how she approaches relationships. She has built a protective barrier around her heart. She knows that she shouldn’t get involved with the much younger lineman, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn towards Kai. These two make such a great couple, but they have many obstacles that they need to overcome. This book was full of passion complete with sizzling chemistry between Kai and Gia, but there was also moments where I found myself reaching for the tissues. Offsides is a remarkable book about love - in the past, present, and future. You will find yourself pulled into Kai’s and Gia’s story as they embark on a remarkable journey.
Offsides is an interconnected standalone novel in this author’s Saints and Sinners series. The prequel to Gia’s story can be found in The Last Love of Luka Hale and it has been recommended that the novel Thin Love be read prior to the prequel. Full disclosure: I’ve gone into this book completely blind in that I have not read Thin Love nor any of the previous books in this Saints and Sinners series and I had no trouble following along this book.
I received an early complimentary version of this book.
Offsides is an interconnected standalone novel in this author’s Saints and Sinners series. The prequel to Gia’s story can be found in The Last Love of Luka Hale and it has been recommended that the novel Thin Love be read prior to the prequel. Full disclosure: I’ve gone into this book completely blind in that I have not read Thin Love nor any of the previous books in this Saints and Sinners series and I had no trouble following along this book.
I received an early complimentary version of this book.
October 11, 2019
Okay, so you know those movie that you know you shouldn't watch by yourself, where you yell at the girl not to do what ever she is clearly going to do cuz you already know she will end up a hot mess??? Yeah that was me when I I started reading about Gia and Kai. I knoew I was going to end up ugly crying to the point where I was reading this amazing book with a HUGE knot in my throat. SO TOTALLY WORTH IT!
This book, the story of Gia and Kai and Luka was just everything. Have you ever loved something so much that it was everything you wanted but it got taken away before it't time? Did you mourn it? This book is about what happens if you don't mourn it correctly, will it ever leave you? NO. But can you grow from it and find the forever LAST love? Yes. That is the lesson in this beautiful story. Now don't get me wrong, this book is not a sad little tale of woe. Nope it is so much more than that it is about LOVE, past, present and future. Gia has to grow and bloom in the love that Kai is giving her, so that she came become what she was meant to be when she thought of herself in the past. Confusing? When you read their story you will totally get it. Because this is a book that has to be experienced from beginning to end. Just don ;t read where your tears will freak out those around you. LOL
This book, the story of Gia and Kai and Luka was just everything. Have you ever loved something so much that it was everything you wanted but it got taken away before it't time? Did you mourn it? This book is about what happens if you don't mourn it correctly, will it ever leave you? NO. But can you grow from it and find the forever LAST love? Yes. That is the lesson in this beautiful story. Now don't get me wrong, this book is not a sad little tale of woe. Nope it is so much more than that it is about LOVE, past, present and future. Gia has to grow and bloom in the love that Kai is giving her, so that she came become what she was meant to be when she thought of herself in the past. Confusing? When you read their story you will totally get it. Because this is a book that has to be experienced from beginning to end. Just don ;t read where your tears will freak out those around you. LOL
October 16, 2019
3.5 Stars
This was my first read of this author. I was drawn by the blurb. NFL team. Female GM. Single dad. Loved all the promise of that story. This says it can be read as a stand alone, but I admit, the first half of the book, I felt like I was missing something. Actually, when I finally looked back to see this was the third book in a series, I thought it maybe was poor editing. I couldn't follow all the secondary characters. They go by first name, last name and nick name all in the same chapter. None of that means that the story was bad--I just couldn't follow right away.
Now, the second half of the book--focusing mostly on Kai and Gia, was fantastic. So many feels between these two. I was tempted to call in late to work just to finish this one up. Lots of hurdles for them to get over. Tall walls protecting Gia's heart. Kai has his work cut out for him.
Please with the wrap up and ending. Just a perfect resolve for all the tension throughout the book. I wish I would have read the books in order. I think I would have gotten even more out of this one.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
This was my first read of this author. I was drawn by the blurb. NFL team. Female GM. Single dad. Loved all the promise of that story. This says it can be read as a stand alone, but I admit, the first half of the book, I felt like I was missing something. Actually, when I finally looked back to see this was the third book in a series, I thought it maybe was poor editing. I couldn't follow all the secondary characters. They go by first name, last name and nick name all in the same chapter. None of that means that the story was bad--I just couldn't follow right away.
Now, the second half of the book--focusing mostly on Kai and Gia, was fantastic. So many feels between these two. I was tempted to call in late to work just to finish this one up. Lots of hurdles for them to get over. Tall walls protecting Gia's heart. Kai has his work cut out for him.
Please with the wrap up and ending. Just a perfect resolve for all the tension throughout the book. I wish I would have read the books in order. I think I would have gotten even more out of this one.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
October 11, 2019
Offsides (Saints and Sinners #3) is everything and I do mean everything that I wanted and more for Kai and Gia’s story. Eden Butler nailed it and she couldn’t have written a better book for these two. Kai and Gia really put me through one hell of an emotional ride but it was SO worth it!!
Gia, the first female general manager in the NFL was not only a role model but a force to be reckoned with. Her character was written so wonderfully. And Kai, be still my heart. He was the definition of a gentle giant with his soft and kind heart. I loved that Kai was utterly swoon worthy yet maintained his alpha personality. I must say that the sexual tension and chemistry between Kai and Gia was 100% combustible.
Offsides’s plot flowed effortlessly and naturally from beginning to end. I have so much love for these characters and their beautiful story. As much as I didn’t want to see Kai and Gia’s story end, my heart is so full and complete. It’s a definite five star MUST read!!
Gia, the first female general manager in the NFL was not only a role model but a force to be reckoned with. Her character was written so wonderfully. And Kai, be still my heart. He was the definition of a gentle giant with his soft and kind heart. I loved that Kai was utterly swoon worthy yet maintained his alpha personality. I must say that the sexual tension and chemistry between Kai and Gia was 100% combustible.
Offsides’s plot flowed effortlessly and naturally from beginning to end. I have so much love for these characters and their beautiful story. As much as I didn’t want to see Kai and Gia’s story end, my heart is so full and complete. It’s a definite five star MUST read!!
October 9, 2019
Wow...Offsides is everything I wanted it to be! Gia has her dream job managing the Steamers. Life is going according to her rigid plan to deal with pain, until she meets Kai. Aside from being her "type", she can't get over how similar the necklace he wears looks just like Lukas....the chemistry is there and there is no doubt Kai is interested, but she puts up her wall for professional and personal reasons. Kai is persistent and slowly she lets him in and gets to know him, maybe too well. It takes a tragedy for Kai, that hits too close to home for Gia, to try to open up to him at all. I don't want to spoil anything, but this is just so good! You truly feel the pain, guilt, sadness, and also the passion and love and eventually the forgiveness of Gia and Kia and Kona too. This book and the series are one of those that you will want to keep around for all time.
October 17, 2019
Gia is the first female manager of a professional football team and she is focused on her career and forging the way for other women to succeed as well. She has a painful past and for that reason she is determined to keep her relationships casual and keep the walls around her heart impenetrable.
Kai is a single father and linebacker for the team. He is very attracted to Gia and even though their relationship is complicated by both her past and the fact that he is her employee he is determined that they belong together.
Gia and Kai’s story is an emotional journey about healing, love and second chances that draws you in and won’t let you go until the last page.
Kai is a single father and linebacker for the team. He is very attracted to Gia and even though their relationship is complicated by both her past and the fact that he is her employee he is determined that they belong together.
Gia and Kai’s story is an emotional journey about healing, love and second chances that draws you in and won’t let you go until the last page.
October 15, 2019
4.5 stars for this romantic read which is so much more than boy meets girl. Offsides, initially, could be mistaken for a straight forward romance, but it takes us into deeper waters as it looks at the different faces of love and friendship, loss and grief, in an honest and heartfelt manner.
With Hawaiian heritage weaving through the story, I truly felt that I was being shown aspects of a culture I know little about but found both beautiful and intriguing. This brought a dimension to the book that held my attention and provided a a warmth which I found completely satisfying. Lovely 💖💖💖💖
With Hawaiian heritage weaving through the story, I truly felt that I was being shown aspects of a culture I know little about but found both beautiful and intriguing. This brought a dimension to the book that held my attention and provided a a warmth which I found completely satisfying. Lovely 💖💖💖💖
October 15, 2019
The perfect heartbreaking romance that proves love is worth the risk. I was so mixed with emotions while I was reading this book. My heart was in my throat and I had tears in my eyes several times. Being someones love of their life is different than actually loving someone for your entire life. Love can come in different forms and you can't give up on the one true soul mate. The writing was perfect and the pace flowed to match it. I love this authors writing style and this is one book you don't want to miss.
October 20, 2019
I have not read the rest of this series so maybe my perception is off because I didn't see any of the build up. I just never really felt the connection between them and I think that took away my enjoyment here.
This is about an NFL manager who is a female, and one of her players who is a linebacker. The premise was there, and it peaked my interest. I just never got invested though.
I know others will probably like this so I am going to chalk it up to a case of "It's me not you."
ARC in exchange for an honest review
This is about an NFL manager who is a female, and one of her players who is a linebacker. The premise was there, and it peaked my interest. I just never got invested though.
I know others will probably like this so I am going to chalk it up to a case of "It's me not you."
ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 11, 2019
This story, Kai and Gia's story, and even the memory of Gia and Luka's story, tore me apart so many times. I cried so many tears. But in the end, the beauty of both love stories was just that, so beautiful!!!!
I am so thankful that Gia finally opened herself up enough to recognize and return the love Kai had for her. And I'm glad she finally had the chance to put the past where it belonged. Once again, Eden Butler has given her readers a fantastic story!!!
I am so thankful that Gia finally opened herself up enough to recognize and return the love Kai had for her. And I'm glad she finally had the chance to put the past where it belonged. Once again, Eden Butler has given her readers a fantastic story!!!
October 22, 2019
Let me just say that it isn't often a book can make me cry. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Kai and Gia, but there was a particular point in the book when I admittedly cried so hard I gave myself a headache. It was a touching story, one that kept me flipping the pages. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Ms. Butler did a fantastic job and I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
I received a copy of this book for an unbiased review.
I received a copy of this book for an unbiased review.
October 14, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is first by this author for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Kai and Gia had somewhat of a "forbidden" love. I really like these kinds of stories and I honestly loved these characters. I need to go back an read the other books in the series. I loved the build up and the steaminess of this book. Highly recommend!!!
This is first by this author for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Kai and Gia had somewhat of a "forbidden" love. I really like these kinds of stories and I honestly loved these characters. I need to go back an read the other books in the series. I loved the build up and the steaminess of this book. Highly recommend!!!
October 15, 2019
This book had all the feels. Gia and Kai’s story is not one without heartbreak and I really felt for them in this story. Gia, what can I say. She is such a strong woman who has endured her share of heartbreak and the inability to move on and open herself up to the possibility of a new forever love. I loved the way it as written and I really felt for all the characters. It’s a must read.
October 10, 2019
Kai shows Gia that finding another to love is ok. Gia holds everyone at a distance because of the love she lost thinking that no one else can compare. She has to learn to let go of the past in order to see what the future has to offer.
October 7, 2019
Gia and Kai are very much one of my new fav characters. I highly enjoyed this story
August 19, 2022
This originated in the Thin Love timeline of Luka and Gia’s love story and evoked an emotional rollercoaster of feelings.
Kai is the father of a nine-year old girl and a professional athlete, their ongoing banter of ‘young man’ references, a reminder of their nine year age gap. Kai is an enigmatic character, he’s gentle, warm, flirty, seductive and sensitive. The kiss they shared on the balcony transcended a mere kiss.
Gia is the GM for the Steamers, a professional team. For the past twenty years has been trying to recapture and replace a love abruptly ripped from her. She buried her pain in a pit of sadness, denying herself relationships, consumed by grief. She’d hurt so many because she refused to let go of something she thought she’d never get back. She’d been scared, terrified of what would happen if she lost it again.
“Who’s your type?”
“He turned, his foot brushing against the same yellow cigar box that had been in her living room the night that asshole yelled at her in the hallway. It was open now, its contents scattered among the soft floor rug and designer bags. The Polaroids themselves weren’t what caught Kai’s attention. Everyone had pictures and keepsakes they’d never let go of. But the men in these pictures were so familiar. He bent down and retrieved the box, grabbing the large stack of Polaroids in the process.
“What are these? Gia?”
“Those are…mine, Kai, give those to me, right now!”
He ignored her, too taken by the images in front of him. There were so many of them. All of men that look just like him—dark skin, coarse black hair. Dark
eyes, broad noses, wide mouths. Black ink over their chests and arms, some down their torsos, some all over their backs, arms, and stomachs. Some he
guessed were Latin, some mixed. Some he recognised from their tattoos as Samoan or Tongan, others Polynesian. But there were no red heads. No blond guys. No blue or green eyes.
“That a**hole was right.” Kai held up a picture of a guy who could have been his twin. The mouth was smaller, the tattoos different, but the eyes and build were the same. “You definitely have a type.”
“Kai…you don’t understand. Please…”
“How long have you done this?”
She glanced at him, blinking away the moisture from her lashes. “Was I gonna make it to the stack? No, you weren’t gonna let me get that far, were you?”
He was done trying. With all of it.
Especially with Gia
That night, Gia slept in her bed, with a single Polaroid clutched in her hand and the fading wish that for one more night she could be that girl Luka loved so much, taking everything he offered for the gift it was.
She didn’t think Kai would ever want her back in his place again. Not after their fight, after the Polaroids. Gia tried putting Kai out of her thoughts. She missed his obnoxious flirting. She missed calling him junior just to get a rise out of him. She didn’t miss him calling her granny to earn a glare. Kai worked hard on the field. He worked harder off of it and Gia assumed he’d moved on from whatever small infatuation he might have had for her.
They spent a night together after losing Keeana, the person that pushed him to follow his dream. A night he needed comfort and to feel an emotion other than pain. She recognised the emptiness from the lonely moments that she stared in the mirror after losing Luka. He wanted her touch, she gave him everything he’d wanted. She hadn’t believed anyone could touch her the way Kai did, it terrified her. So she did what she always did when she felt Luka slipping from her—not the boy he’d been and how fiercely she’d loved him, the reminder of the cost of that love. She’d blindly given Luka everything and it had nearly ended her.
The natural progression of a solitary life is severing connections. Rebuffing him at the airport both hurt and shocked him. His saddened expression when she pulled her hand from his in the airport. Gia knew better than to turn her back on him. She knew she couldn’t pretend. And then…he took away her choices. The knock came again, this one harder. Three firm knocks. Kai looked older somehow, standing there, his large arms resting on either side of the door frame. His eyes were red rimmed again and swollen. He needed her, she knew that. She’d felt that. How could she turn him away?
“I…” she started, shutting her mouth when Kai frowned at her, shaking his
head twice.
He pressed his lips together, not taking his focus from her face as he released her and shut the door closed with one hand. Now there were no excuses. Nothing to keep them from touching.
No more boundaries.
“Kai…I’m—”
He didn’t let her finish. Instead, he rested his hands on either side of her head, glaring down at her when she blinked, that look so penetrating it felt like a
demand he made with the small movement of his eyes narrowing.
I’m going to show you, ku'uipo. Tonight you’re going to see…”
“What…what will I…I see?”
Kai increased the rhythm of his movements
By the time I’m done with you…you’re going to see, that you will never be able to live without this. You’re going to see that you can’t be without me.”
Kai and Gia together, the subtle looks, the secret touches, the balcony scene, him storming her flat, the shower...le sigh!
“Can you…be without…this?”
“Don’t ever pull away from me again.”
“You’re mine. Even if you don’t know it yet…even if you tell yourself you can only love a shadow…deep down you know you’re mine.”
Until Kona visits and Kai learns of Luka, his cousin and Gia’s relationship.
She’d spent twenty years pretending, reliving his touch, recalling their love certain no one could love her like Luka. No one would want her like Luka. And she’d tortured herself, and every man who’d tried to love her for making the smallest attempt.
Kona takes her to Luka’s final resting place:
Luka Makani Hale
Beloved Brother
Selfless Hero
1977-1997
Luka’s “I think, maybe, I could be happily entangled with you…for the rest of my life.”
Her heart hammered fast as she thought of all the things she should tell him, saying this last goodbye. Gia fell to her knees in front of Luka’s grave, the breath still in her throat when she noticed the picture secured in the oval frame in the centre of the stone. He was so beautiful. So perfect. So young. She couldn’t look at him or those dates, the final numbers that sealed his fate.
“You were my forever love. My one and only and I couldn’t…wouldn’t let you go. We would have had the most epic love story…wouldn’t we? You…stupid boy, you stupid, brave man.”
He’d stared at her that last time like there was so much he’d wanted to say but couldn’t quite manage it. Like he thought there would be a hundred more nights like that last one.
“Sometimes I hate you for leaving me, I hate you for loving me so much. I hate you for playing the damn hero.”
Forever love? He’d been so sure of that then. Luka had known, at twenty, what forever with Gia would have been like…if they’d gotten the chance. And
he wasn’t wrong. He had been happily entangled with her for the rest of his life.
“I would have given up my life…anyone else’s just for you to be here. I would have sacrificed my future, given up my dreams…my dreams, my ambition, I would have given them away for you to be here.”
Luka’s “There are a hundred reasons you’ve given me. There are a hundred I’ve told myself, but this thing, Gia, this you and me thing…it feels damn good”.
But she had lost it. Kai had been right. What they had…it had felt so good, so right and she let it slip between her fingers. She hadn’t fought for it.
But he was different. He was so different from everyone else. With Kai there was a spark.
“Luka, thank you for loving me. Thank you for showing me your forever love. You’re always with me. Always.” She hated to leave him. She didn’t want to go. But life was waiting for her; waiting for the chances Luka could never take.
He had given her the wings. It was time she learned how to fly.
She finally gets to say goodbye.
“Kona brought me…to see Luka.”
“I’d never been to his grave. Not once. Never went to his funeral. I’d…never said goodbye.
“Kona told me when he lost Luka, he had no one either. We…both lost everything that night. But he learned how to move on. But I…I never learned to do that. I never wanted to risk it. I spent the last twenty years pretending that what I had with men I didn’t love was enough for me. And…I gave them…nothing.”
“I gave them parts of myself, parts that meant nothing to no one, not even me. Parts that weren’t real. The rest I kept hidden.”
“And what did you give me?”
“Glimpses no one else got. Something…in between, I think. But you made me forget I was pretending.”
“Don’t…”
“I’m sorry,”
A beautiful ending to an emotional story.
Kai is the father of a nine-year old girl and a professional athlete, their ongoing banter of ‘young man’ references, a reminder of their nine year age gap. Kai is an enigmatic character, he’s gentle, warm, flirty, seductive and sensitive. The kiss they shared on the balcony transcended a mere kiss.
Gia is the GM for the Steamers, a professional team. For the past twenty years has been trying to recapture and replace a love abruptly ripped from her. She buried her pain in a pit of sadness, denying herself relationships, consumed by grief. She’d hurt so many because she refused to let go of something she thought she’d never get back. She’d been scared, terrified of what would happen if she lost it again.
“Who’s your type?”
“He turned, his foot brushing against the same yellow cigar box that had been in her living room the night that asshole yelled at her in the hallway. It was open now, its contents scattered among the soft floor rug and designer bags. The Polaroids themselves weren’t what caught Kai’s attention. Everyone had pictures and keepsakes they’d never let go of. But the men in these pictures were so familiar. He bent down and retrieved the box, grabbing the large stack of Polaroids in the process.
“What are these? Gia?”
“Those are…mine, Kai, give those to me, right now!”
He ignored her, too taken by the images in front of him. There were so many of them. All of men that look just like him—dark skin, coarse black hair. Dark
eyes, broad noses, wide mouths. Black ink over their chests and arms, some down their torsos, some all over their backs, arms, and stomachs. Some he
guessed were Latin, some mixed. Some he recognised from their tattoos as Samoan or Tongan, others Polynesian. But there were no red heads. No blond guys. No blue or green eyes.
“That a**hole was right.” Kai held up a picture of a guy who could have been his twin. The mouth was smaller, the tattoos different, but the eyes and build were the same. “You definitely have a type.”
“Kai…you don’t understand. Please…”
“How long have you done this?”
She glanced at him, blinking away the moisture from her lashes. “Was I gonna make it to the stack? No, you weren’t gonna let me get that far, were you?”
He was done trying. With all of it.
Especially with Gia
That night, Gia slept in her bed, with a single Polaroid clutched in her hand and the fading wish that for one more night she could be that girl Luka loved so much, taking everything he offered for the gift it was.
She didn’t think Kai would ever want her back in his place again. Not after their fight, after the Polaroids. Gia tried putting Kai out of her thoughts. She missed his obnoxious flirting. She missed calling him junior just to get a rise out of him. She didn’t miss him calling her granny to earn a glare. Kai worked hard on the field. He worked harder off of it and Gia assumed he’d moved on from whatever small infatuation he might have had for her.
They spent a night together after losing Keeana, the person that pushed him to follow his dream. A night he needed comfort and to feel an emotion other than pain. She recognised the emptiness from the lonely moments that she stared in the mirror after losing Luka. He wanted her touch, she gave him everything he’d wanted. She hadn’t believed anyone could touch her the way Kai did, it terrified her. So she did what she always did when she felt Luka slipping from her—not the boy he’d been and how fiercely she’d loved him, the reminder of the cost of that love. She’d blindly given Luka everything and it had nearly ended her.
The natural progression of a solitary life is severing connections. Rebuffing him at the airport both hurt and shocked him. His saddened expression when she pulled her hand from his in the airport. Gia knew better than to turn her back on him. She knew she couldn’t pretend. And then…he took away her choices. The knock came again, this one harder. Three firm knocks. Kai looked older somehow, standing there, his large arms resting on either side of the door frame. His eyes were red rimmed again and swollen. He needed her, she knew that. She’d felt that. How could she turn him away?
“I…” she started, shutting her mouth when Kai frowned at her, shaking his
head twice.
He pressed his lips together, not taking his focus from her face as he released her and shut the door closed with one hand. Now there were no excuses. Nothing to keep them from touching.
No more boundaries.
“Kai…I’m—”
He didn’t let her finish. Instead, he rested his hands on either side of her head, glaring down at her when she blinked, that look so penetrating it felt like a
demand he made with the small movement of his eyes narrowing.
I’m going to show you, ku'uipo. Tonight you’re going to see…”
“What…what will I…I see?”
Kai increased the rhythm of his movements
By the time I’m done with you…you’re going to see, that you will never be able to live without this. You’re going to see that you can’t be without me.”
Kai and Gia together, the subtle looks, the secret touches, the balcony scene, him storming her flat, the shower...le sigh!
“Can you…be without…this?”
“Don’t ever pull away from me again.”
“You’re mine. Even if you don’t know it yet…even if you tell yourself you can only love a shadow…deep down you know you’re mine.”
Until Kona visits and Kai learns of Luka, his cousin and Gia’s relationship.
She’d spent twenty years pretending, reliving his touch, recalling their love certain no one could love her like Luka. No one would want her like Luka. And she’d tortured herself, and every man who’d tried to love her for making the smallest attempt.
Kona takes her to Luka’s final resting place:
Luka Makani Hale
Beloved Brother
Selfless Hero
1977-1997
Luka’s “I think, maybe, I could be happily entangled with you…for the rest of my life.”
Her heart hammered fast as she thought of all the things she should tell him, saying this last goodbye. Gia fell to her knees in front of Luka’s grave, the breath still in her throat when she noticed the picture secured in the oval frame in the centre of the stone. He was so beautiful. So perfect. So young. She couldn’t look at him or those dates, the final numbers that sealed his fate.
“You were my forever love. My one and only and I couldn’t…wouldn’t let you go. We would have had the most epic love story…wouldn’t we? You…stupid boy, you stupid, brave man.”
He’d stared at her that last time like there was so much he’d wanted to say but couldn’t quite manage it. Like he thought there would be a hundred more nights like that last one.
“Sometimes I hate you for leaving me, I hate you for loving me so much. I hate you for playing the damn hero.”
Forever love? He’d been so sure of that then. Luka had known, at twenty, what forever with Gia would have been like…if they’d gotten the chance. And
he wasn’t wrong. He had been happily entangled with her for the rest of his life.
“I would have given up my life…anyone else’s just for you to be here. I would have sacrificed my future, given up my dreams…my dreams, my ambition, I would have given them away for you to be here.”
Luka’s “There are a hundred reasons you’ve given me. There are a hundred I’ve told myself, but this thing, Gia, this you and me thing…it feels damn good”.
But she had lost it. Kai had been right. What they had…it had felt so good, so right and she let it slip between her fingers. She hadn’t fought for it.
But he was different. He was so different from everyone else. With Kai there was a spark.
“Luka, thank you for loving me. Thank you for showing me your forever love. You’re always with me. Always.” She hated to leave him. She didn’t want to go. But life was waiting for her; waiting for the chances Luka could never take.
He had given her the wings. It was time she learned how to fly.
She finally gets to say goodbye.
“Kona brought me…to see Luka.”
“I’d never been to his grave. Not once. Never went to his funeral. I’d…never said goodbye.
“Kona told me when he lost Luka, he had no one either. We…both lost everything that night. But he learned how to move on. But I…I never learned to do that. I never wanted to risk it. I spent the last twenty years pretending that what I had with men I didn’t love was enough for me. And…I gave them…nothing.”
“I gave them parts of myself, parts that meant nothing to no one, not even me. Parts that weren’t real. The rest I kept hidden.”
“And what did you give me?”
“Glimpses no one else got. Something…in between, I think. But you made me forget I was pretending.”
“Don’t…”
“I’m sorry,”
A beautiful ending to an emotional story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2019
I didn't realise that this was the third book in a series but, although reading at least the first book in the series would give some background, it can be read as a standalone.
"Nine years and a professional line separated them."
Gia Jilani has a top job in a man's world. She can't afford to make mistakes, especially getting involved with someone at work. And, a guy younger than her, too. Besides all that, she's shied away from real relationships for the past twenty years. She's been down that road before and she's not willing to risk her heart again.
"When are you gonna stop running from me?"
Kai Pukui has been noticing Gia from the first moment they met but he's never made a move because she's basically his boss. A chance encounter outside of work breaks down some of the walls, but it's a tough battle to get Gia give him a chance. There seem to be too many obstacles in the way, not least her denial of the spark between them. However, when life deals Kai a tough hand, Gia steps up without thought, but is there a future for them?
I must admit that it took a little while to really get into this story but that was more because of the writing style. Once I got into the meat of the story, I started to really enjoy it.
"Kai never got friendly vibes from Gia. He never got anything but heat and passion and chemistry so thick it felt nuclear."
The initial encounter between Kai and Gia was pretty sensual and sexy. There is a definite attraction between them but Gia is stubbornly determined to keep him at arm's length. She's incredibly protective of her heart because under her tough, efficient exterior, she's soft and really caring. Kai is a little cocky, a little arrogant, but actually a real sweetheart. I adored the love he had for his family. I also loved that even though he was younger than Gia, he certainly knew how to take command of her. There's a mystery to Gia's past life that we see through her memories. As the story progresses, we get a couple of twists in the tale that really gripped me. Overall, a decent story with steamy scenes, heartbreak, and love.
"Nine years and a professional line separated them."
Gia Jilani has a top job in a man's world. She can't afford to make mistakes, especially getting involved with someone at work. And, a guy younger than her, too. Besides all that, she's shied away from real relationships for the past twenty years. She's been down that road before and she's not willing to risk her heart again.
"When are you gonna stop running from me?"
Kai Pukui has been noticing Gia from the first moment they met but he's never made a move because she's basically his boss. A chance encounter outside of work breaks down some of the walls, but it's a tough battle to get Gia give him a chance. There seem to be too many obstacles in the way, not least her denial of the spark between them. However, when life deals Kai a tough hand, Gia steps up without thought, but is there a future for them?
I must admit that it took a little while to really get into this story but that was more because of the writing style. Once I got into the meat of the story, I started to really enjoy it.
"Kai never got friendly vibes from Gia. He never got anything but heat and passion and chemistry so thick it felt nuclear."
The initial encounter between Kai and Gia was pretty sensual and sexy. There is a definite attraction between them but Gia is stubbornly determined to keep him at arm's length. She's incredibly protective of her heart because under her tough, efficient exterior, she's soft and really caring. Kai is a little cocky, a little arrogant, but actually a real sweetheart. I adored the love he had for his family. I also loved that even though he was younger than Gia, he certainly knew how to take command of her. There's a mystery to Gia's past life that we see through her memories. As the story progresses, we get a couple of twists in the tale that really gripped me. Overall, a decent story with steamy scenes, heartbreak, and love.
October 24, 2019
Overall, I loved "Offsides" and highly recommend it. While it is the third book in the Saints and Sinners series, it is for the most part a standalone novel, although at least part of the timeline overlaps with that of "Roughing the Kicker," the previous book in this series, and some of the same events are re-told from a different character's perspective. I have read the previous book, but I don't think I would have felt lost if I hadn't done so. That said, I very much enjoyed "Roughing the Kicker" and recommend reading the books in order because I think having that background added to my enjoyment of this book.
Even though I had an idea of what was coming because of the events of the previous book, I was still very moved by how the characters in "Offsides" were affected. Eden Butler's writing is very evocative, and I really did have all the feels while I was reading. The main characters, Gia and Kai, were both well-developed and incredibly likeable, and I couldn't help but root for them to sort out their issues and find a way to be together. They both suffered so much loss and pain, and all I wanted was for them to finally experience some happiness. Thankfully, they did, but it wasn't easy for them to get there!
If my understanding is correct, "Offsides" is the last book currently planned in the Saints and Sinners series, but I can't help but hope that Ms. Butler will consider revisiting this world one last time to fill in the blanks about the romance between secondary characters Cat and Kenya. It seems like there's a lot more to their story than what we've seen so far. In any event, I'm looking forward to seeing what Eden Butler writes next, regardless of whether it's related to this series or not!
*ARC provided by the author via Xpresso Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.
Even though I had an idea of what was coming because of the events of the previous book, I was still very moved by how the characters in "Offsides" were affected. Eden Butler's writing is very evocative, and I really did have all the feels while I was reading. The main characters, Gia and Kai, were both well-developed and incredibly likeable, and I couldn't help but root for them to sort out their issues and find a way to be together. They both suffered so much loss and pain, and all I wanted was for them to finally experience some happiness. Thankfully, they did, but it wasn't easy for them to get there!
If my understanding is correct, "Offsides" is the last book currently planned in the Saints and Sinners series, but I can't help but hope that Ms. Butler will consider revisiting this world one last time to fill in the blanks about the romance between secondary characters Cat and Kenya. It seems like there's a lot more to their story than what we've seen so far. In any event, I'm looking forward to seeing what Eden Butler writes next, regardless of whether it's related to this series or not!
*ARC provided by the author via Xpresso Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 13, 2019
Talk about heartbreak. Holy smokes, Offsides is the very meaning of the word. Eden Butler does not hold back in this 3rd book in the Saints and Sinners series, giving us Gia and Kai's story. The gutsy general manager and the sexy linebacker fight their immediate attraction but damn if they don't still crave the other. With a football team that has more than enough of its own issues, you'd think that would keep both satisfied. But that undeniable yearning keeps coming to the surface over and over again and it's anyone's guess whether or not Gia can continue to keep her distance from the sexy Kai.
I loved their chemistry and I loved that both Gia and Kai had deep respect for the other. There is a ton thrown at both of them with past tragedies and current ones constantly getting in the way with a feeling of dread that perhaps they just weren't meant to be. I had to hold my breath as many an encounter left the other upset or resigned as Gia seems stuck in the past and won't allow herself to lose her soul like she did so many years ago. But I loved Kai's persistence and the show of support and comfort when it mattered.
Their road is littered with detours and bumps that I wasn't sure could ever right itself. But I held on and was practically in tears as the last chapters were read. Both Gia and Kai go through the wringer more than once but their affection never wavered and their witty rapport was a joy to watch. Ms. Jalani and her 'junior' are quite the entertaining couple and I was more than happy to get their story after we got glimpses of both of them in the prior two books.
I look forward to more of this series since Butler knows her way around a love story. A very enjoyable read, I happily give Offsides a solid 4 stars!!
I loved their chemistry and I loved that both Gia and Kai had deep respect for the other. There is a ton thrown at both of them with past tragedies and current ones constantly getting in the way with a feeling of dread that perhaps they just weren't meant to be. I had to hold my breath as many an encounter left the other upset or resigned as Gia seems stuck in the past and won't allow herself to lose her soul like she did so many years ago. But I loved Kai's persistence and the show of support and comfort when it mattered.
Their road is littered with detours and bumps that I wasn't sure could ever right itself. But I held on and was practically in tears as the last chapters were read. Both Gia and Kai go through the wringer more than once but their affection never wavered and their witty rapport was a joy to watch. Ms. Jalani and her 'junior' are quite the entertaining couple and I was more than happy to get their story after we got glimpses of both of them in the prior two books.
I look forward to more of this series since Butler knows her way around a love story. A very enjoyable read, I happily give Offsides a solid 4 stars!!
October 18, 2019
Emotional and enjoyable
The only way to start this is by saying ... WOW!!!! OFFSIDES is such an emtional, heartwrenching but thoroughly enjoyable read. I just was not expecting the pull on all of my emotions. Such a beautiful story that will keep you captivated from beginning to end.
Offsides tells the story of Gia Jilani and Kai Pukui. Gia is the first female NFL General Manger of a team, and Kai is a linebacker for her team. Their romance is "forbidden", however it is also one that they cannot let go of. Gia struggles with the age gap, she's nine years older, and also with the memories of her past. Kai is a single father and main breadwinner for his family. He is determined to pursue a relationship with Gia, however she wnats to keep it hidden. The passion that exists between these two is simply page burning, but it is the friendship that builds between them that really holds my captivation, they are both there to support one another. Can Gia put the past behind her and move on to the future?
This story is really about Gia being able to accept her past and grow into the woman she was always meant to be. Love is never easy though, there are many obstacles for this couple to overcome to reach their deserved happiness. This is an epic story, appropriate as the love Gia and Kai share is also epic.
A brilliant conclusion to a thoroughly wonderful series. A highly recommended read.
Read and Reviewed for Reading is our Satisfaction.
FIVE STARS
The only way to start this is by saying ... WOW!!!! OFFSIDES is such an emtional, heartwrenching but thoroughly enjoyable read. I just was not expecting the pull on all of my emotions. Such a beautiful story that will keep you captivated from beginning to end.
Offsides tells the story of Gia Jilani and Kai Pukui. Gia is the first female NFL General Manger of a team, and Kai is a linebacker for her team. Their romance is "forbidden", however it is also one that they cannot let go of. Gia struggles with the age gap, she's nine years older, and also with the memories of her past. Kai is a single father and main breadwinner for his family. He is determined to pursue a relationship with Gia, however she wnats to keep it hidden. The passion that exists between these two is simply page burning, but it is the friendship that builds between them that really holds my captivation, they are both there to support one another. Can Gia put the past behind her and move on to the future?
This story is really about Gia being able to accept her past and grow into the woman she was always meant to be. Love is never easy though, there are many obstacles for this couple to overcome to reach their deserved happiness. This is an epic story, appropriate as the love Gia and Kai share is also epic.
A brilliant conclusion to a thoroughly wonderful series. A highly recommended read.
Read and Reviewed for Reading is our Satisfaction.
FIVE STARS
October 13, 2019
Once again, Eden has flawed me with this book. Gia and Kai's relationship is not an easy one. Kai comes into Gia's life and she didn't know what to expect. All she knew was that they were drawn to one another... He made her feel things she thought she shouldn't. Gia is strong, so strong but she has had heartache in her life, and she is learning to deal with it the best she can... Kai comes along and shows her that it is okay to love again, that that part of her and her life doesn't just disappear... It's not a sin to love another while trying to move on from her first love... It wasn't easy... In no way was it easy and it took something big to happen to Kia for Gia to finally slowly but surely open up to him and let her walls down. Brick by brick...
These two were fireworks. The chemistry was off the charts and it was all-consuming and the deeper I got into this book, the more head over heels I fell in love with Kai, and Kai and Gia together... But nothing is ever that easy... This book is full of heartache, pain, and guilt and sorrow and sadness, yet in the mixture, there is passion, heat, lust, love, and longing... Will Gia be able to work on moving on from her past and let Kai in? Or will her guilt and everything she has endured in her past stop that from happening?
It was perfect, but I expected nothing less!
5 Stars
These two were fireworks. The chemistry was off the charts and it was all-consuming and the deeper I got into this book, the more head over heels I fell in love with Kai, and Kai and Gia together... But nothing is ever that easy... This book is full of heartache, pain, and guilt and sorrow and sadness, yet in the mixture, there is passion, heat, lust, love, and longing... Will Gia be able to work on moving on from her past and let Kai in? Or will her guilt and everything she has endured in her past stop that from happening?
It was perfect, but I expected nothing less!
5 Stars
October 15, 2019
Football, a strong epic heroine, and Eden Butler is the perfect recipe for me! Gia Jilani is the female I would most want to be, as she's a professional football team's GM! Oh, let me say that I wanted her story since meeting her in the Last Love of Luca Hale just an fyi. Anyway, she's tough & she has rules, because she's not letting anything mess with her accomplishments, since she's the NFL's first female GM, and I'm with her on this one. She's totally my hero by the way, so at this point, it was already more than 5 stars. However, she never counted on linebacker Kai Pukui, a beautiful & quiet man whose still waters run deep. They have chemistry from the beginning, but again, her rules. So, the push & pull is on, but instead of actually trying to talk her into going for him, this round I was all like, NO NO NO! Don't lose your position, but I'm all football all the time so that pretty much explains me. Anyway, he reminds her of someone, so we have some twists that are impossible to see coming, and makes the drama thicker. Now, Gia has a big decision in front of her, will she bet everything on love?! Well, here's my answer, one click this EPIC football romance that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL to find out!
October 17, 2019
Gia Jilani has worked hard to become general manager of a professional football team. When she meets Kai Pukui she wasn't expecting the spark she feels. He reminds her of someone, but it would be all wrong -- since she's his boss and she's locked up her heart since she lost her one true love years ago.
Kai is very persuasive, persistent and perceptive, since he won't give up because he believes Gia wants him as much as he wants her. There's a lot of back and forth here and there were times I felt bad for Kai. It takes a tragedy and a few family secrets to be revealed before Kai and Gia are ready for each other and it is all very satisfying when they finally connect.
I liked this couple and the other couples in this book. There were many athlete's mentioned and I felt like I needed a lineup card at times, but the romance was nicely done. After reading this series and the Thin Love series, I enjoyed the expanding family of characters.
An ARC was provided for review.
4 stars
Kai is very persuasive, persistent and perceptive, since he won't give up because he believes Gia wants him as much as he wants her. There's a lot of back and forth here and there were times I felt bad for Kai. It takes a tragedy and a few family secrets to be revealed before Kai and Gia are ready for each other and it is all very satisfying when they finally connect.
I liked this couple and the other couples in this book. There were many athlete's mentioned and I felt like I needed a lineup card at times, but the romance was nicely done. After reading this series and the Thin Love series, I enjoyed the expanding family of characters.
An ARC was provided for review.
4 stars
October 18, 2019
4.5 Stars
"You can't have a last love without a first love."
While OFFSIDES is listed as a stand-alone in the Saints and Sinners Series, I think you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't read LAST LOVE OF LUKA HALE to understand who and what Gia is. It fills in a lot of the blanks at the beginning of OFFSIDES and I think it would make the reading experience more enjoyable.
Gia is a grown woman who excels in a "man's world". She defies gender roles and is able to be everything INCLUDING vulnerable. She has built up walls due to her past experiences and it is not easy to see her so closed off from the world. Kai is 9 years her junior yet has so much life experience that he is older than his years. He is interested in tearing down Gia's walls so that he can get to know the "real" her. I like everything about Kai including his capacity for emotion.
This book was well written with emotion and angst. Gia bugged me a little bit because for such a strong woman with strong beliefs she... well, i don't want to give it away.
I absolutely recommend this story.
"You can't have a last love without a first love."
While OFFSIDES is listed as a stand-alone in the Saints and Sinners Series, I think you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't read LAST LOVE OF LUKA HALE to understand who and what Gia is. It fills in a lot of the blanks at the beginning of OFFSIDES and I think it would make the reading experience more enjoyable.
Gia is a grown woman who excels in a "man's world". She defies gender roles and is able to be everything INCLUDING vulnerable. She has built up walls due to her past experiences and it is not easy to see her so closed off from the world. Kai is 9 years her junior yet has so much life experience that he is older than his years. He is interested in tearing down Gia's walls so that he can get to know the "real" her. I like everything about Kai including his capacity for emotion.
This book was well written with emotion and angst. Gia bugged me a little bit because for such a strong woman with strong beliefs she... well, i don't want to give it away.
I absolutely recommend this story.
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