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South Florida Riders #5
Rough Ride
Andre Smoke is the newest arrival to the Riders, an incredibly private defensive player who is feared and revered in the NFL. His trade to South Florida is a little unexpected in the league, but Smoke has his personal reasons for heading to the tropics to play football. Well, one reason. Her name is Kendall Collins and her big brother, Smoke's lifelong best friend, needs someone he can trust to keep an eye on her...without her knowing it, of course.
Loyal and protective, Smoke agrees...but one look at Kendall and things get a little complicated. The sassy designer is definitely not the awkward fourteen-year-old in braces that he remembers, and the attraction between them burns as hot as his name. Smoke hires Kendall to renovate his historic Miami home...but the plan to keep an eye on her soon turns into a desire to keep his whole body on her. Before long, Smoke is falling hard for his best friend's sister who is determined to fix more than his house...she's getting awfully close to his damaged heart and just might have to give it to her.
Loyal and protective, Smoke agrees...but one look at Kendall and things get a little complicated. The sassy designer is definitely not the awkward fourteen-year-old in braces that he remembers, and the attraction between them burns as hot as his name. Smoke hires Kendall to renovate his historic Miami home...but the plan to keep an eye on her soon turns into a desire to keep his whole body on her. Before long, Smoke is falling hard for his best friend's sister who is determined to fix more than his house...she's getting awfully close to his damaged heart and just might have to give it to her.
- GenresSports RomanceSports
256 pages, ebook
First published May 29, 2020
152 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Breezie Bennett
40 books130 followersBreezie Bennett has had her fingers on a keyboard since she was a middle-schooler writing sports romances about her brother’s baseball team. A graduate of the University of Florida, she is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, can dance on pointe, and has been known to shotgun a beer in 5.2 seconds. When not writing romance, you’ll find her on a Florida beach with her two dogs, Ginger and Rosemary, and a playlist full of Pink Floyd and Lil Wayne.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 17, 2020
Always a pleasure to read Breezie. I loved Andre.
May 27, 2020
I'm having so much fun getting to know the members of Breezie Bennett's South Florida Riders professional football team and the women who turn their lives upside down...and capture their hearts in the process. Rough Ride brings readers one of my favorite romance tropes - brother's best friend - and, once again, engaged my interest from page one, holding it until the end. I tended to steer clear of first-person narratives until I began reading Bennett's books but I can't imagine her stories being told in any other way. She has a gift for creating fully developed characters that are young, fresh, and full of life. Using first-person in alternating points of view allows readers to dig deep into the emotions and motivations of the main characters, understanding them more completely as they proceed through their journey, individually and as a couple.
In Rough Ride, Bennett pairs my love of football with my love of home renovation (somebody else's, not mine) in a sweet and steamy story with heart-tugging depth of emotion that brought all the feels and left me sighing with delight. I really enjoyed Smoke and Kendall. He's such a good guy, she's very likeable, and the chemistry between them sizzles. But, while their physical attraction is off the charts (and don't get me wrong, I loved that part), it's their shared history and the sweetness of the emotional bond between them that captured my heart. These two belong together and I was cheering them on the entire way.
Enhancing Smoke and Kendall's journey is a vibrant secondary cast of characters who are much more than wallpaper. From Riders players, to Kendall's partners, to players' wives, to a sweet older couple who get the surprise of their lives, they all leap from the pages and enrich the overall journey. And there's one more character who has very limited time on the page but a pivotal impact on the story and, wow, does she showcase Bennett's ability to write a spot-on "Real Housewives" type of character. I think my blood pressure jumped 20 points just from that one scene!
For those of you who enjoy snappy dialogue, heart-tugging emotion, humor, sizzle, sports-themed romance, and home renovation shows, you'll find all that and more in Breezie Bennett's Rough Ride.
4.5 stars
*ARC received for unbiased review
In Rough Ride, Bennett pairs my love of football with my love of home renovation (somebody else's, not mine) in a sweet and steamy story with heart-tugging depth of emotion that brought all the feels and left me sighing with delight. I really enjoyed Smoke and Kendall. He's such a good guy, she's very likeable, and the chemistry between them sizzles. But, while their physical attraction is off the charts (and don't get me wrong, I loved that part), it's their shared history and the sweetness of the emotional bond between them that captured my heart. These two belong together and I was cheering them on the entire way.
Enhancing Smoke and Kendall's journey is a vibrant secondary cast of characters who are much more than wallpaper. From Riders players, to Kendall's partners, to players' wives, to a sweet older couple who get the surprise of their lives, they all leap from the pages and enrich the overall journey. And there's one more character who has very limited time on the page but a pivotal impact on the story and, wow, does she showcase Bennett's ability to write a spot-on "Real Housewives" type of character. I think my blood pressure jumped 20 points just from that one scene!
For those of you who enjoy snappy dialogue, heart-tugging emotion, humor, sizzle, sports-themed romance, and home renovation shows, you'll find all that and more in Breezie Bennett's Rough Ride.
4.5 stars
*ARC received for unbiased review
May 25, 2020
Another winner from Breezie Bennett. We meet Andre Smoke in the last book when h was traded to the Riders. Since he is now in south Florida he’s best friend asks a favor of him, check on his little sister and make sure that she isn’t getting caught up in the Florida night life. Kendall needs the prefect house renovation for a contest to sky rocket her business. After a talk with her brother she thinks she might be able score the house her and her team have been trying to get for it. Only thing is she will have to put a side the crush she has always had on Andre. I am always a sucker for a best friend’s little sister story, and this definitely made me list of favorites.
May 21, 2020
A really cute and sweet in love with brother's best friend story. The characters and world Breezie Bennett has created with the South Florida Riders is a fun and supportive place with great people with amazing relationships. Truly a fun read.
March 23, 2022
a fun series
I have enjoyed every book in this series. I feel like I’m a part of the team now.
If you enjoy sports and HEAs this is the series for you. You don’t need to read the series in order but I think it’s more enjoyable if you do.
I have enjoyed every book in this series. I feel like I’m a part of the team now.
If you enjoy sports and HEAs this is the series for you. You don’t need to read the series in order but I think it’s more enjoyable if you do.
August 11, 2020
Breezie Bennett chose an appropriate pen name for herself. At least in regard to her South Florida Rough Riders series her stories are breezy. They’re light and flirty and sexy. Her love for South Florida shines brightly in these stories. I just wish that if she’s going to write a series loosely based upon an imaginary pro football team she’d get her facts about football players straight. The male lead in this story Andre Smoke was introduced in her previous book as a potential member of the Riders team. Andre or “Smoke” as he’s commonly referred to is an All Pro cornerback. While she gets the whole, he intercepts passes for a living right about cornerbacks, there’s not much else. She keeps referring to Smoke’s broad shoulders and bulging biceps. In reality cornerbacks who spend their time on the field chasing around speedy wide receivers are leanly muscled athletes, not heavily muscled hulks like the linebackers and defensive linemen who play closer to the line of scrimmage and spend their time colliding with hulking offensive linemen and tackling running backs. The way he’s described he sounds more like a linebacker than a cornerback. She even makes the mistake of referring to him as a defensive linemen when cornerbacks are part of the defensive back unit along with the safeties. At one point in the story Andre scoffs at the idea of Kendall’s brother Wyatt an NFL tightend kicking his butt. In reality tightends are a good thirty or more pounds of solid muscle bigger than cornerbacks. Come on Breezie, if you’re going to right about football players try to get your descriptions to match the positions. It would have made more sense if you'd made Smoke a linebacker both for his size and his ability to dominate games.
So in this story Smoke has been traded to the South Florida Riders where his BFF Wyatt Collins a tightend for the Minnesota Vikings little sister Kendall now makes her home and runs a start up home remodeling business with her two best friends from college, a married couple. The wife is the interior designer and the husband is the construction manager. Kendall is the head contractor overseeing all the work but she also has a big hand in the actual interior design of the projects.
Wyatt has asked his buddy Smoke to keep an eye on Kendall to make sure she’s not caught up in the party/casual sex scene of South Beach. What Wyatt doesn’t know is that Kendall and Smoke made out on Kendall’s eighteenth birthday when he was home from college and she offered him her virginity which he reluctantly rejected, because after all, she was his BFF’s little sister. Kendall is now 25 years old and still a virgin waiting for the perfect man to give her virginity to. She’s also still holding on to the lifelong crush she’s had on Smoke. She seems a little old to me for her 28 year old brother to be worried about her social life. Smoke’s agent has just purchased a fantastic old mansion for him to live in which happens to also be the home Kendall and her team were hoping to snag for a remodeling job that will get them on a television show on HGTV where the publicity and prize money could help save their struggling business. When Smoke meets Kendall for the first time in seven years since that fatal night, he discovers it’s Kendall that is “Smokin.” Their chemistry is off the charts but Kendall is still feeling the sting of Smoke’s rejection years ago and Smoke is still trying to respect the fact that Kendall is his BFF’s little sister whom he’s promised to keep an eye on. He agrees to allow Kendall’s company to do the make-over on his house which will keep them in close and nearly constant proximity. You can bet it won’t be long before they’re getting each other naked and Kendall finally cashes in her V-card.
There were things I really liked about this book. I liked that Breezie made Kendall a whole lot OCD making her imperfectly human. I liked the relationship she had with her best friend. I liked how the other couples from the previous books had a role in this story and the women embraced Kendall immediately as one of their own. I liked that Breezie surprised me with the issue that almost broke the couple up. I knew something was coming and I immediately knew what happened but I didn’t expect it to be what it was. Of course as a contemporary romance fan I liked their happily ever after. Truthfully there wasn’t a whole lot not to like about this story. Okay, maybe Smoke’s Hail Mary play to save their relationship was a bit over the top considering he hadn’t even tried the simple route of explaining what had happened first. But this is romantic fantasy so I’ll roll with it.
So in this story Smoke has been traded to the South Florida Riders where his BFF Wyatt Collins a tightend for the Minnesota Vikings little sister Kendall now makes her home and runs a start up home remodeling business with her two best friends from college, a married couple. The wife is the interior designer and the husband is the construction manager. Kendall is the head contractor overseeing all the work but she also has a big hand in the actual interior design of the projects.
Wyatt has asked his buddy Smoke to keep an eye on Kendall to make sure she’s not caught up in the party/casual sex scene of South Beach. What Wyatt doesn’t know is that Kendall and Smoke made out on Kendall’s eighteenth birthday when he was home from college and she offered him her virginity which he reluctantly rejected, because after all, she was his BFF’s little sister. Kendall is now 25 years old and still a virgin waiting for the perfect man to give her virginity to. She’s also still holding on to the lifelong crush she’s had on Smoke. She seems a little old to me for her 28 year old brother to be worried about her social life. Smoke’s agent has just purchased a fantastic old mansion for him to live in which happens to also be the home Kendall and her team were hoping to snag for a remodeling job that will get them on a television show on HGTV where the publicity and prize money could help save their struggling business. When Smoke meets Kendall for the first time in seven years since that fatal night, he discovers it’s Kendall that is “Smokin.” Their chemistry is off the charts but Kendall is still feeling the sting of Smoke’s rejection years ago and Smoke is still trying to respect the fact that Kendall is his BFF’s little sister whom he’s promised to keep an eye on. He agrees to allow Kendall’s company to do the make-over on his house which will keep them in close and nearly constant proximity. You can bet it won’t be long before they’re getting each other naked and Kendall finally cashes in her V-card.
There were things I really liked about this book. I liked that Breezie made Kendall a whole lot OCD making her imperfectly human. I liked the relationship she had with her best friend. I liked how the other couples from the previous books had a role in this story and the women embraced Kendall immediately as one of their own. I liked that Breezie surprised me with the issue that almost broke the couple up. I knew something was coming and I immediately knew what happened but I didn’t expect it to be what it was. Of course as a contemporary romance fan I liked their happily ever after. Truthfully there wasn’t a whole lot not to like about this story. Okay, maybe Smoke’s Hail Mary play to save their relationship was a bit over the top considering he hadn’t even tried the simple route of explaining what had happened first. But this is romantic fantasy so I’ll roll with it.
May 20, 2020
Breezie Bennett has done it again! I received an ARC of Rough Ride, the fifth book in the South Florida Riders series, by Breezie Bennett for an honest review. I can truthfully say that Rough Ride was an incredible story and each story in the story keeps getting better and better. Once again Breezie Bennett has shown with Rough Ride that she is a master storyteller, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in romantic comedy genre. I love all the insight into football players, games, and significant others that Breezie includes in her stories. Who doesn't love hot, sexy football players and somehow she manages to find the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong woman on her own, to balance out the superstar. Once more her characters in Rough Ride are so believable and charming, they share great chemistry, lots of laughs, and steamy romance. Rough Ride delivers all those things that I love most about romantic comedies. I love that Breezie Bennett writes in the first person from the perspective of the two main characters, and uses vocabulary that remain true to her characters. I enjoy getting to see things from both viewpoints. Rough Ride is the story of Andre Smoke, defensive player recently acquired from Cleveland, and Kendall Collins, head contractor of Collins Renovation and Design and younger sister to Andre's best friend, who had a crush on Andre when she was younger. Who does not love a story about falling in love with the sister of your best friend. Andre's agent purchases a house for him in South Florida, ever since losing a home to a tornado growing up, Andre does not consider any house a "home". Andre's new house just happens to be the house, the Esplanade House, that Kendall has had her eye on in hopes of doing a renovation on for HGTV's Mansion in a Month. Kendall needs to win Mansion in a Month to save her business and to get exposure for new business. When Kendall and Andre meet for the first time, Kendall realizes that her feelings toward Andre have not changed. Andre agrees to allow Kendall and her team to renovate his house, he has no feelings toward to house. As Kendall works on the demolition and renovation of Andre's home, she shares secrets with Andre in his "safe room" and they begin to give into their mutual crushes. Rough Ride is filled with all those things that I have come to long and expect from Breezie Bennett, incredible characters, amazing story, light, poignant and bittersweet moments, and surprise plot twists. She did not disappoint in her delivery of those things. I love how she resolved the surprise plot twist, it was truly a heartwarming moment. I could not put the book down, I loved every moment. I also enjoyed catching up with all the other players and their significant other from the series. So looking forward to reading, Sweet Ride.
May 21, 2020
Another sweet as freaking heck, warming my heart and soul, perfectly adorable tale from Breezie Bennett in the South Florida Riders series.
You guys. Andre and Kendall are sooooo cute. I loved the 'secret room', the heartfelt renovations (I and so many others love home renovation so this is great, I get romance AND HGTV vibes, what more do I need), Kendall learning to let go of her perfectionism in the best of ways (without losing herself), and MOST of all how Andre finally learns how to trust, to accept permanence, to overcome his past, to find happiness in a true home and the person he now wants to share a home with forever.
Andre especially is just...the sweetest pillar of strength and goodness. You'll see. And Kendall is such a relatable character - so many of us, my hand probably raised the highest on this account, are inveterate perfectionists. Reading their story was a simply a breath of fresh air: a message that "things don't always have to be perfect to be wonderful," as the quote by Annette Funicello goes.
What matters most, more than all the perfect details and outward-facing appearances, are the people in our lives and the moments we share with them. Homes, surroundings - these can all influence us, sure, and when they're imperfect or at worst destroyed, we are affected. But people are the core of what makes life worth living. People ARE home.
Speaking of homes, now that I've finished book 5, I've realized that The South Florida Riders really feel like a home to come back to, as a reader. The relationships are so well developed, and I love seeing how every previous character is doing when there are integrated 'check-ins' in each new book. I love the football team, the sweet clan of box-seat-wives who open their arms wide to all newcomers, and then seeing new characters be welcomed right into the fold of the football family. It is so tremendously satisfying, the sense of community and wholeness that Breezie has created with this universe of hers.
But whether you've read the entire series or are just picking up this book as a stand-alone, it's not to be missed out on! 5 enthusiastic stars, for a beautiful tale that was expertly woven. (Especially in this time of COVID-19, where we are all just seeking a bit of stability, comfort, and affection.)
You guys. Andre and Kendall are sooooo cute. I loved the 'secret room', the heartfelt renovations (I and so many others love home renovation so this is great, I get romance AND HGTV vibes, what more do I need), Kendall learning to let go of her perfectionism in the best of ways (without losing herself), and MOST of all how Andre finally learns how to trust, to accept permanence, to overcome his past, to find happiness in a true home and the person he now wants to share a home with forever.
Andre especially is just...the sweetest pillar of strength and goodness. You'll see. And Kendall is such a relatable character - so many of us, my hand probably raised the highest on this account, are inveterate perfectionists. Reading their story was a simply a breath of fresh air: a message that "things don't always have to be perfect to be wonderful," as the quote by Annette Funicello goes.
What matters most, more than all the perfect details and outward-facing appearances, are the people in our lives and the moments we share with them. Homes, surroundings - these can all influence us, sure, and when they're imperfect or at worst destroyed, we are affected. But people are the core of what makes life worth living. People ARE home.
Speaking of homes, now that I've finished book 5, I've realized that The South Florida Riders really feel like a home to come back to, as a reader. The relationships are so well developed, and I love seeing how every previous character is doing when there are integrated 'check-ins' in each new book. I love the football team, the sweet clan of box-seat-wives who open their arms wide to all newcomers, and then seeing new characters be welcomed right into the fold of the football family. It is so tremendously satisfying, the sense of community and wholeness that Breezie has created with this universe of hers.
But whether you've read the entire series or are just picking up this book as a stand-alone, it's not to be missed out on! 5 enthusiastic stars, for a beautiful tale that was expertly woven. (Especially in this time of COVID-19, where we are all just seeking a bit of stability, comfort, and affection.)
May 30, 2020
Breezie Bennett is back with another wonderful story in her South Florida Riders series with Rough Ride. Andre Smoke was recently traded to the South Florida Riders. I loved him from the moment he first appeared on the page, and was so excited to get his story with Rough Ride.
Andre Smoke has been best friends with Wyatt Collins since they were kids. When he is traded to South Florida, Wyatt asks Smoke to check in on his little sister Kendall who is living and working in South Florida now. Kendall is all grown up now, and nothing like the young 14-year-old who had such a huge crush on Smoke when they were growing up. Kendall now runs a renovation and redecorating business with her best friend and her husband, and the house Smoke has purchased is perfect for the HGTV house flip contest. As it is a perfect way to keep his eyes on Kendall, Smoke hires her to renovate his historic mansion.
I absolutely loved Smoke and Kendall’s story! I love the friends to lovers trope, and add in the older sibling’s best friend, and it is like catnip! I love that Kendall was still crushing on Smoke, even as an adult. However, my favorite part was how attracted Smoke was to Kendall from the moment he saw her again. Their chemistry was smoking hot, yet there was also a sweetness to them that I didn’t expect but absolutely loved. I loved they each seemed to get each other like no one else every had. Rough Ride gave me all the happy feels and I so wasn’t ready for the story to be over when it ended.
The South Florida Riders series has quickly become one of my favorite. Breezie Bennett gives her readers wonderful, sexy and funny stories with each new installment. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Bennett does with the next book in this series.
Rating: 5 Stars (A)
Review copy provided by publisher
Andre Smoke has been best friends with Wyatt Collins since they were kids. When he is traded to South Florida, Wyatt asks Smoke to check in on his little sister Kendall who is living and working in South Florida now. Kendall is all grown up now, and nothing like the young 14-year-old who had such a huge crush on Smoke when they were growing up. Kendall now runs a renovation and redecorating business with her best friend and her husband, and the house Smoke has purchased is perfect for the HGTV house flip contest. As it is a perfect way to keep his eyes on Kendall, Smoke hires her to renovate his historic mansion.
I absolutely loved Smoke and Kendall’s story! I love the friends to lovers trope, and add in the older sibling’s best friend, and it is like catnip! I love that Kendall was still crushing on Smoke, even as an adult. However, my favorite part was how attracted Smoke was to Kendall from the moment he saw her again. Their chemistry was smoking hot, yet there was also a sweetness to them that I didn’t expect but absolutely loved. I loved they each seemed to get each other like no one else every had. Rough Ride gave me all the happy feels and I so wasn’t ready for the story to be over when it ended.
The South Florida Riders series has quickly become one of my favorite. Breezie Bennett gives her readers wonderful, sexy and funny stories with each new installment. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Bennett does with the next book in this series.
Rating: 5 Stars (A)
Review copy provided by publisher
June 3, 2020
Rough Ride is a fun football story with a sprinkle of reality TV on top. Andre Smoke has been recently traded to the SoFL Riders football team, his single objective get a Championship Ring. Enter interior designer, Kendall Collins, Andre’s childhood pal, and the lil sister of his BFF and fellow football player Wyatt. She has always have a crush on him and its known by all parties. Throw a landmark house, a design reality TV show and a rekindled chemistry among this friends and we have a very entertaining, sexy read. The story is narrated in dual point of view and it flows vividly and naturally. There are plenty of good banter, secrets shared, promises kept and broken. Andre seems to have trouble to put roots and his career is his only anchor. Kendall had been always being searching for perfection, can these two discover what is always been just at their fingertips?
South Florida, a central character in the entire series is showcase in all its glory; characters from previous books pop in and out which keeps the mood light and are a treat for readers of the series. What not to love about renovating an ocean front property and get national recognition for perfection? Seeing as we are deep into the Riders’ season, “I was kinda hoping I could stay with you for a little while… “ Well played, Breezie, well played…
Rough Ride is Breezie Bennett fifth book into the New Adult, Contemporary Romance South Florida Riders series. It reads as a standalone, but I’ll recommend reading the entire series, you will not be disappointed. I'll give it 4.5 stars.
South Florida, a central character in the entire series is showcase in all its glory; characters from previous books pop in and out which keeps the mood light and are a treat for readers of the series. What not to love about renovating an ocean front property and get national recognition for perfection? Seeing as we are deep into the Riders’ season, “I was kinda hoping I could stay with you for a little while… “ Well played, Breezie, well played…
Rough Ride is Breezie Bennett fifth book into the New Adult, Contemporary Romance South Florida Riders series. It reads as a standalone, but I’ll recommend reading the entire series, you will not be disappointed. I'll give it 4.5 stars.
June 2, 2020
Kendall and Andre’s love story in Rough Ride by Breezie Bennett, book five in her South Florida Riders series, is another wonderful, sexy, and enjoyable tale that once again scores a touchdown. Andre Smoke is the latest player added to the Rider’s roster. Andre is an incredibly private person and defensive player, revered in the NFL. Andre’s lifelong best friend needs someone he can trust to keep an eye on his little sister, without her knowledge, of course. Kendall Collins is a
Designer, whose company renovates houses, think HGTV, who has had a crush on Smoke since she was a teen. When Smoke hires Kendall to renovate his historic Miami house his plan to just keep an eye on her turns into desire like he never felt before; these two have off the charts chemistry and attraction. Kendall just might be the one woman who knows Andre well enough to heal his hurts and alleviate his baggage.
Ms. Bennett wrote a fun, flirty, sizzling sports rom-com that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, sexual chemistry, humor, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters giving Kendall and Andre a chance to discover that although he’s her brother’s best friend, they were meant to have a future together. I highly recommend Rough Ride to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Designer, whose company renovates houses, think HGTV, who has had a crush on Smoke since she was a teen. When Smoke hires Kendall to renovate his historic Miami house his plan to just keep an eye on her turns into desire like he never felt before; these two have off the charts chemistry and attraction. Kendall just might be the one woman who knows Andre well enough to heal his hurts and alleviate his baggage.
Ms. Bennett wrote a fun, flirty, sizzling sports rom-com that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, sexual chemistry, humor, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters giving Kendall and Andre a chance to discover that although he’s her brother’s best friend, they were meant to have a future together. I highly recommend Rough Ride to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 28, 2020
Andre Smoke has been traded to the NFL team the Riders in South Florida. He is excited about the new job and opportunity with a new group of great teammates. His best friend, Wyatt Collins plays for the Vikings and has asked Andre to watch out for his baby sister, Kendal, who lives in South Florida and has her own renovation business. One look at Kendal and Andre is hooked. He hires her to redo the mansion he has just purchased which is a dream job for Kendal. Along the way Andre and Kendal get to know each other very, very well.
Rough Ride is the 5th book in this series and the author has done a great job with the plot line as she has a nice style of writing making the story easy to read, with lots of humor, heat and a likeable hero and heroine. It was fun to go back and see what the other players and their wives are up too. The dialogue is so easy to follow and makes the story work very well. There are a few laugh out loud moments as well. I enjoyed going back to this series and catching up with previous characters and getting to go along with Andre and Kendall and their happy ever after. Rough Ride is a great addition to this series.
Rough Ride is the 5th book in this series and the author has done a great job with the plot line as she has a nice style of writing making the story easy to read, with lots of humor, heat and a likeable hero and heroine. It was fun to go back and see what the other players and their wives are up too. The dialogue is so easy to follow and makes the story work very well. There are a few laugh out loud moments as well. I enjoyed going back to this series and catching up with previous characters and getting to go along with Andre and Kendall and their happy ever after. Rough Ride is a great addition to this series.
May 29, 2020
I recommend this book. It is the fifth in the South Florida Riders series, but it stands alone. The characters are believable, and their interactions feel real. Ms. Bennett’s books have more sex than I normally prefer, but the stories are hot and I do enjoy them.
The Riders manage to sign Andre Smoke, a defensive player who is legendary in the NFL. The trade was a surprise. Smoke’s best friend, who plays for the Vikings, has a younger sister who lives in Florida. Smoke is asked by his bud to keep an eye on sis.
Kendall Collins has a renovation & design company. She wants to remodel the historic house Smoke’s agent bought for him. Smoke agrees because it lets him keep an eye on her for his friend. However, she has always had a crush on him, and it turns out they both have strong feelings for each other.
The house is renovated and entered in a reno contest. Both Kendall and Andre love the house. However, Ms. Bennett throws a problem into the mix that I never would have expected. It works, but I find myself still arguing with myself about ways to avoid the problem. But Andre can fix it and they get their Happily Ever After.
I am looking forward to the next in the series.
The Riders manage to sign Andre Smoke, a defensive player who is legendary in the NFL. The trade was a surprise. Smoke’s best friend, who plays for the Vikings, has a younger sister who lives in Florida. Smoke is asked by his bud to keep an eye on sis.
Kendall Collins has a renovation & design company. She wants to remodel the historic house Smoke’s agent bought for him. Smoke agrees because it lets him keep an eye on her for his friend. However, she has always had a crush on him, and it turns out they both have strong feelings for each other.
The house is renovated and entered in a reno contest. Both Kendall and Andre love the house. However, Ms. Bennett throws a problem into the mix that I never would have expected. It works, but I find myself still arguing with myself about ways to avoid the problem. But Andre can fix it and they get their Happily Ever After.
I am looking forward to the next in the series.
May 26, 2020
Rough Ride is the 5th book in the South Florida Riders series by Breezie Bennett. This lady is talented. Her stories have heroines who are smart, sexy, sassy, and beautiful(inside and out). Her heroes are rugged, sexy, smart, hot football players in this series. I do need to make clear that you do not need to understand the game of football to enjoy these books. Breezie’s writing style is fun, witty, easy-to-read, keeps your attention, and pretty steamy between the sheets. Andre Smoke is the newest member of the Riders due to a team trade. Andre is asked by his best friend to “keep an eye on” his little sister. Little sister, Kendall Collins, has always had a crush on Andre. We know the premise here but, the best part is Breezie writes so good that they sexual tension is palpable, witty, sexy, pretty darn hot, and the story takes turns that I did not see coming. Loved it just as much as the previous four books in this series. Totally recommend it. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 5 stars*****
May 29, 2020
What a great story! I was interested in Andre Smoke when we met him in the previous book, Thrill Ride. I liked that he and Kendall were friends from way back in the day and they knew so much about each other, yet there were a few secrets yet to share. The Mansion in a Month was a perfect opportunity for Kendall and her funny and supportive business partners to show everyone how talented they are and of course Andre was there to give them the biggest piece of the puzzle they needed, his house. I loved everything about the story – Kendall and Andre; Desta, Jackson & Wyatt and of course seeing our past couples who have become friends is always a treat. I must admit at one point, I almost screamed at the book, with the huge misunderstanding that occurred. However, Andre took care of the situation and made it up to Kendall in a big and meaningful way, his surprise to her could not have been better. I really enjoyed the ending; it was perfect yet bittersweet. I am definitely looking forward to seeing if Matt McKenzie can step up and fill some big shoes in the next book.
May 30, 2020
I really enjoy the Riders series. Each is unique in its own way and fun to read. This one is Kendall and Andre’s story. We have a brief catchup with prior characters from prior books but this can be read as a stand-alone. Both characters have known each other for since childhood. Kendall is the younger sister of Andre Smoke, newest player of the Riders, childhood best friend who is a NFL player for another team. A request from his friend to look out for his sister reunited these two. I would have liked a bit more of insight of why he feels the way he does regarding dwellings. Maybe a flashback to that moment. Also Smoke’s manager needs some business ethics and needs to make sure that he speaks to the person who keeps him employed before making any decisions even if they are financially beneficial. Andre is chill but this is not cool. As always there is a HEA and we know whose book is coming next. Let’s see what’s going to happen with QB2 Matt and the original QB who is now on the injured list.
May 23, 2020
I love all the couples from the South Florida Riders series, but Kendall and Andre captured my heart with their witty banter and romantic and passionate history. Andre had his hands full with his responsibilities to his new team and a promise he made to his best friend, Wyatt, who wanted him to keep an eye on his younger sister. Kendall turned out to be beautiful, sexy and impossible to resist. She was smart, motivated and he appreciated the love she had for her job. The more time they spent together, the closer they became. Kendall was a perfectionist when it came to her life and her career. She was very serious and all business when it pertained to work and she often worked on the weekends, leaving little time for a social life. Kendall, like most young women, was waiting for the one man who would truly understand her, love her and make her heart flutter. When Andre came back into her life, she felt that her dreams had been answered. After all this time apart, Kendall realized that she had been waiting all her life for Andre and that he had always been the one for her. Could he possibly want her, too?
May 27, 2020
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Rough Ride is book 5 in the South Florida Riders series by Breezie Bennett and another great read by this amazing author!
Andre Smoke, new arrival to the Riders team, bought a home without seeing it and is helping out his childhood BFF, Wyatt Collins by keeping an eye on his sister, Kendall Collins as Wyatt is concerned being that he is so far away.
Kendall Collins and two of her best friends own a renovation company but it needs a shot in the arm to take the company to the top...so they need a historic home and get in the contest for HGTV’s Mansion of the Month. Her find is the Esplanade House and finding that the owner is none other than her childhood crush, Andre Smoke.
What happens next is flirty, fun, bittersweet childhood memories but can a childhood crush lead to more??
Rough Ride is book 5 in the South Florida Riders series by Breezie Bennett and another great read by this amazing author!
Andre Smoke, new arrival to the Riders team, bought a home without seeing it and is helping out his childhood BFF, Wyatt Collins by keeping an eye on his sister, Kendall Collins as Wyatt is concerned being that he is so far away.
Kendall Collins and two of her best friends own a renovation company but it needs a shot in the arm to take the company to the top...so they need a historic home and get in the contest for HGTV’s Mansion of the Month. Her find is the Esplanade House and finding that the owner is none other than her childhood crush, Andre Smoke.
What happens next is flirty, fun, bittersweet childhood memories but can a childhood crush lead to more??
May 30, 2020
Each book keeps getting better! Breezie is masterful at bringing this teenage crush to the HEA we all love. Kendall is the kind of woman I would love to have as a friend. She is strong, witty and cares deeply about those in her life. She has her sweet dreamy side but does not let it get in the way of her drive for perfection. Andre Smoke, well, he is all charm. When he would dip his chin, raise an eyebrow and give her a half smile, I would totally swoon. No wonder Kendall crushed on him all those years ago. The way Andre handles her “secret” is very touching and not as I would have expected. Breezie brings these two together in a way that is sweet, sexy and downright fun. Can’t wait for the next ride!
June 14, 2020
Rough Ride is another delightful book in the South Florida Riders series by Breezie Bennett. Kendall Collins has known Andre Smoke since childhood as her brother’s friend. Andre moves to play for the South Florida Riders. Andre’s agent buys a huge house for him. By coincidence Kendall knows the house. Their romance takes shape as Kendall and her partners take on the renovation. Kendall wants to nominate the house renovation in a HGTV Mansion in a Month contest. One of my favourite parts of the story is reading about the couples from previous books. The welcome extended to Kendall when she comes to watch Andre and the team play is really heart-warming. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 20, 2020
Another cute story in this series :) Once again, I loved the characters, the sense of humor, and the overall writing style. If there’s one negative thing I can say that I noticed about the series in general, it would be the fact that the stories so so very short, really a couple of hours’ worth. Another thing would be, and it could be because I read all books one after another, they all follow the same pattern when it comes to the two main characters getting it on for the first time (they always have a couple of attempts where they don’t go all the way, and there’s almost the same thing in each why they don’t), and then the drama that breaks them up for a hot minute where the guy has to do a grand gesture to redeem himself in her eyes. They’re still very cute stories.
January 15, 2021
Holy Smoke!
Andre Smoke is the newest member of the Florida Riders. So when he moves down to Florida, his best friend asks him to keep an eye on his little sister Kendall. These three grew up together, Kendall being younger, but always carried a torch for Smoke. She even asked him to take her V- card when she turned 18. He really wanted to, but he respected her and the brother he had in Wyatt. Now, he's tasked with keeping an eye on her, he even hires her to renovate his newly acquired mansion for a shot on an HGTV show. They start spending an enormous amount of time together, sharing secrets in the "secret room" and they realize they truly feel for each other. Will someone else's mistake ruin their HEA?
Andre Smoke is the newest member of the Florida Riders. So when he moves down to Florida, his best friend asks him to keep an eye on his little sister Kendall. These three grew up together, Kendall being younger, but always carried a torch for Smoke. She even asked him to take her V- card when she turned 18. He really wanted to, but he respected her and the brother he had in Wyatt. Now, he's tasked with keeping an eye on her, he even hires her to renovate his newly acquired mansion for a shot on an HGTV show. They start spending an enormous amount of time together, sharing secrets in the "secret room" and they realize they truly feel for each other. Will someone else's mistake ruin their HEA?
May 29, 2020
Rough Ride is a misnomer for Andre Smoke as there’s nothing rough about him! He’s hot, sexy, sweet, tender, thoughtful – the perfect hero of any girl’s dream. This fifth book in the series might be the best yet. The characters are well developed, the romance is passionate yet romantic and the plot carries the relationship along. Andre and Kendall demonstrate love vs. lust in this sweet romance. The secondary characters are interwoven in the story in such a way that they support rather than dominate the story. There’s a touch of the other Rider players and their wives, but the focus remains on Andre and Kendall. I loved them both!
May 29, 2020
I think this is my favorite of the series (so far). Andre is new to the Riders team and is a really nice guy. His best friend asked him to keep an eye on his sister. Kendall is running her own company and can't believe her brother would want anyone to keep an eye on her. Andre has known Kendall since they were kids and once he reconnects with her, he doesn't want to let go. Andre has always only thought about football and doesn't seem to care about anything else. So when he pays attention to Kendall, Kendall and her brother are skeptical. For the first time in his life, Andre wants something permanent. Will Kendall feel the same?
May 30, 2020
I love Breezie's books and this series never let's me down. This one about Andre Smoke and his best friend's little sister Kendell. Smoke thought he was just keeping an eye on her, but when he saw her, and how she had grown into a beautiful woman he was hooked.
She is an interior decorator and he hires her and her company to redo the mansion he just bought, to him it is just a house, but to her, it has everything to be a home and can help her win an HGTV contest to help her small company hit it in the big time.
I loved the banter between them and the heat that they made. Once again, another 5 star in my opinion.
She is an interior decorator and he hires her and her company to redo the mansion he just bought, to him it is just a house, but to her, it has everything to be a home and can help her win an HGTV contest to help her small company hit it in the big time.
I loved the banter between them and the heat that they made. Once again, another 5 star in my opinion.
May 30, 2020
I think I have a new favorite football player -- Andre is a tough defensive player who is a great friend, teammate & boyfriend! His relationship with Kendall, his best friend's sister, is adorable -- he is protective, loving, loyal & fierce. He makes big gestures to show his love! I love that they are friends first, and their attraction is more than just lust. It's always more genuine for me when a relationship is based on solid friendship and not just jumping into bed. Such a fun series -- and I'm actually learning about football! Thanks for the ARC & opportunity to give my honest review!
May 20, 2020
Breezie Bennet’s new book “Rough Ride” continues the stories of a South Florida professional football team. Andre, a newly hired defenseman on the team, is new to the area and goes to check on his best friend’s sister, Kendall who is now a housedesigner/contractor. She has had a crush on Andre since she was little. She talks him into allowing her to redo his newly bought house and romance begins. This is a nice romantic story and I enjoyed remembering the days of being able to go to football games and out to the clubs. Just for that it is a good read plus a romance makes it even better.
May 23, 2020
Family history. Big brother's best friend. Bonding tragedy. Childhood crush.
Andre and Kendall are the couple that you can't help but root for. They are destined for each other.
Such a happy, smiley, heartfelt read. Then the bottom fell out and I actually had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Seriously sick.
With a twist that I never saw coming, Breezie Bennett knocked me off my axis!
A beautiful love story with sweet, simple yet simultaneously complex loves. Complete with one of the best happily ever afters!
This may be her best yet!!!
Andre and Kendall are the couple that you can't help but root for. They are destined for each other.
Such a happy, smiley, heartfelt read. Then the bottom fell out and I actually had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Seriously sick.
With a twist that I never saw coming, Breezie Bennett knocked me off my axis!
A beautiful love story with sweet, simple yet simultaneously complex loves. Complete with one of the best happily ever afters!
This may be her best yet!!!
May 29, 2020
Rough Ride (South Florida Riders Book 5) by Breezie Bennett
Rough Ride by Breezie BennettMy rating: 5 of 5 starsEasy on the eyes can be brutal to the heart. There's a hint of both in Kendall and Andre's relationship. With Breezie, a little heartache feel so good. Rough Ride pulls emotions into the story. From wicked attraction to sassy dialogue and every evolving characters. Prepare to be charmed on all levels. Bennett is quickly making her way to the top of my favorite authors collection.
Rough Ride by Breezie BennettMy rating: 5 of 5 starsEasy on the eyes can be brutal to the heart. There's a hint of both in Kendall and Andre's relationship. With Breezie, a little heartache feel so good. Rough Ride pulls emotions into the story. From wicked attraction to sassy dialogue and every evolving characters. Prepare to be charmed on all levels. Bennett is quickly making her way to the top of my favorite authors collection.
July 12, 2020
ARC provided
3.5 Stars. Breezie is a great writer but this one didn’t resonate with me as well as the other 4 in the series. I love that the author writes really strong, successful heroine characters in all her books. I found the dialogue between a the male characters using too much “bro” or slang that didn’t work for me. It may be my age, but it felt like too much and was a bit of a disservice to the characters, Wyatt and Andre specifically. Still love the series and will continue to follow along for the ride!
3.5 Stars. Breezie is a great writer but this one didn’t resonate with me as well as the other 4 in the series. I love that the author writes really strong, successful heroine characters in all her books. I found the dialogue between a the male characters using too much “bro” or slang that didn’t work for me. It may be my age, but it felt like too much and was a bit of a disservice to the characters, Wyatt and Andre specifically. Still love the series and will continue to follow along for the ride!
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