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Quick Snap
Running Forward
A Quick Snap Novella. Running Forward is part of Kristen Proby's With Me in Seattle Universe.
Nothing annoys Karli Jensen more than her nerdy, condescending neighbor. He smirks at her short skirts, mocks her food delivery choices, and steals her mail. Okay, maybe the pizza coupons had part of the townhouse number cut off and got delivered to him by mistake, but they both know he never orders pizza. It’s infuriating, and so is he. Luckily, she only has to see him at home...until he shows up on the football field she calls her second home.
Alec Flynn gave up his shot at an NFL career when his family needed him, choosing to use his brain instead of his braun to succeed in life. He built a tech empire, but then he got bored, and gave it all up. Going to the combine and getting picked up by his friend's team is a dream come true, until it’s not. Turns out the ridiculous neighbor he loves to spar with is not just a ditzy junk foodaholic. Oh no, she’s also his Assistant Coach.
Sparks fly on and off the field as these two continue to butt heads, and eventually, hearts. But, giving in to their desires could mean the end of at least one of their careers. Is the risk worth the reward, or will winning the game cause them to lose at love?
Nothing annoys Karli Jensen more than her nerdy, condescending neighbor. He smirks at her short skirts, mocks her food delivery choices, and steals her mail. Okay, maybe the pizza coupons had part of the townhouse number cut off and got delivered to him by mistake, but they both know he never orders pizza. It’s infuriating, and so is he. Luckily, she only has to see him at home...until he shows up on the football field she calls her second home.
Alec Flynn gave up his shot at an NFL career when his family needed him, choosing to use his brain instead of his braun to succeed in life. He built a tech empire, but then he got bored, and gave it all up. Going to the combine and getting picked up by his friend's team is a dream come true, until it’s not. Turns out the ridiculous neighbor he loves to spar with is not just a ditzy junk foodaholic. Oh no, she’s also his Assistant Coach.
Sparks fly on and off the field as these two continue to butt heads, and eventually, hearts. But, giving in to their desires could mean the end of at least one of their careers. Is the risk worth the reward, or will winning the game cause them to lose at love?
ebook
Published September 14, 2020
27 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Perkins
75 books426 followers2018 RWA Steffie Walker Bookseller of the Year
2016 RT Creative Initiatives Award
Crystal Perkins has always been a big reader, but she never thought she would write her own book, until she sat down in 2014 and did it. She's now published over 40 books, and has been featured in several anthologies as well.
She lived in Las Vegas for over a decade, where you could find her running author events and winning bookseller awards. She's was recently living in North Dakota to be closer to her family, but she is back in Vegas. When she's not reading a few hundred books a year or chasing after her grandson, you can find her watching hockey (Go Knights Go!) and trying to find the perfect shade of lipstick.
She loves Star Wars AND Star Trek, but if pushed to choose, it will always be Leia and her crew who come out on top. Her love of all things nerdy comes through in her book characters, no matter the genre. A mac and cheese connoisseur, she travels the world looking for the perfect version, while attending book conventions and signings as a cover for her research. Poutine research is also conducted regularly on her trips.
Her first series, The Griffin Brothers, followed four billionaire brothers, and the third book, Creating a Love, was a finalist for a multicultural award in 2014. Her second series, Corrigan & Co. featured a secret society of female spies in Las Vegas. She followed this with Society Girls, which offered a glimpse into the training of the women who are recruited into the Corrigan & Co. Foundation, and the Society. The Company Men series featured the relatives of her secret society of spies.
Activate is a Young Adult Sci-Fi standalone novel, and A Kiss Is Just a Kiss is a Romantic Comedy standalone book. If you like something darker, you can find her Horror short stories in the Never Fear anthologies!
She’s currently writing about modern day witches in her Burn series, and bridesmaids for hire who solve mysteries in The Maids! In 2020, she will also be starting a hockey novella series.
Crystal loves hearing from her readers, so please feel free to send her an email, Facebook message, or Tweet! She's also on Instagram, where you can see her monthly reads!
Crystal@crystalperkinsauthor.com
facebook.com/crystalperkinsauthor
Twitter: @wondermomlv
Instagram: @crystalperkinsauthor
2016 RT Creative Initiatives Award
Crystal Perkins has always been a big reader, but she never thought she would write her own book, until she sat down in 2014 and did it. She's now published over 40 books, and has been featured in several anthologies as well.
She lived in Las Vegas for over a decade, where you could find her running author events and winning bookseller awards. She's was recently living in North Dakota to be closer to her family, but she is back in Vegas. When she's not reading a few hundred books a year or chasing after her grandson, you can find her watching hockey (Go Knights Go!) and trying to find the perfect shade of lipstick.
She loves Star Wars AND Star Trek, but if pushed to choose, it will always be Leia and her crew who come out on top. Her love of all things nerdy comes through in her book characters, no matter the genre. A mac and cheese connoisseur, she travels the world looking for the perfect version, while attending book conventions and signings as a cover for her research. Poutine research is also conducted regularly on her trips.
Her first series, The Griffin Brothers, followed four billionaire brothers, and the third book, Creating a Love, was a finalist for a multicultural award in 2014. Her second series, Corrigan & Co. featured a secret society of female spies in Las Vegas. She followed this with Society Girls, which offered a glimpse into the training of the women who are recruited into the Corrigan & Co. Foundation, and the Society. The Company Men series featured the relatives of her secret society of spies.
Activate is a Young Adult Sci-Fi standalone novel, and A Kiss Is Just a Kiss is a Romantic Comedy standalone book. If you like something darker, you can find her Horror short stories in the Never Fear anthologies!
She’s currently writing about modern day witches in her Burn series, and bridesmaids for hire who solve mysteries in The Maids! In 2020, she will also be starting a hockey novella series.
Crystal loves hearing from her readers, so please feel free to send her an email, Facebook message, or Tweet! She's also on Instagram, where you can see her monthly reads!
Crystal@crystalperkinsauthor.com
facebook.com/crystalperkinsauthor
Twitter: @wondermomlv
Instagram: @crystalperkinsauthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 24, 2020
I read about 5 or 6 of these Quick Snap novellas for their first launch and the one thing I can say about all of them is that I was surprised at how satisfying all the stories turned out to be given their length. These are all less than or just over 100 pages. Some of them felt like I had a read a full-length novel!
Now, about Running Forward: Two thing stood out to me right away. First, our heroine being a female coach for a football team. You don’t see it / read it often enough and I love that Crystal made that choice. Second, I really enjoy reading about neighbors at war stories. They are always full of shenanigans and make me happy! So even before beginning to read the story I had a smile on my face! That smile remained on my face the entire way thru. How can one possibly not like a nerdy jock for a hero matched with a strong sassy heroine?! Impossible! This story was rather amusing and kept my attention so high props from this reader!
Now, about Running Forward: Two thing stood out to me right away. First, our heroine being a female coach for a football team. You don’t see it / read it often enough and I love that Crystal made that choice. Second, I really enjoy reading about neighbors at war stories. They are always full of shenanigans and make me happy! So even before beginning to read the story I had a smile on my face! That smile remained on my face the entire way thru. How can one possibly not like a nerdy jock for a hero matched with a strong sassy heroine?! Impossible! This story was rather amusing and kept my attention so high props from this reader!
September 14, 2020
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I fell in love with the idea of this story when Crystal first told me about it and it was everything I could have hoped for. Alec as a hero was amazing and I loved that we got to see a nerdy jock as the main character. He was sweet and so easy to like, and not only him, the entire team was full of really amazing characters and I fell for them all. I loved that they treated Karli as a little sister and would stick up for her. Not that she always needed it because Karli herself was pretty badass. I really admired how hard she worked to make it in the world of football but she still never lost her femininity and wouldn't let anyone or anything change her.
I haven't read a lot of the Lady Boss novellas even though I do love Ms. Proby's characters but I have to say that from what I've read this is one of my favorites. Crystal put in a lot more scenes with Will Montgomery (from Kristen Proby's Play With Me) than I've read in other connected novellas and I loved that. It made the book extra special to not just get a passing glance of a character but to actually have them in the story involved a bit.
Copy kindly provided by the author.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I fell in love with the idea of this story when Crystal first told me about it and it was everything I could have hoped for. Alec as a hero was amazing and I loved that we got to see a nerdy jock as the main character. He was sweet and so easy to like, and not only him, the entire team was full of really amazing characters and I fell for them all. I loved that they treated Karli as a little sister and would stick up for her. Not that she always needed it because Karli herself was pretty badass. I really admired how hard she worked to make it in the world of football but she still never lost her femininity and wouldn't let anyone or anything change her.
I haven't read a lot of the Lady Boss novellas even though I do love Ms. Proby's characters but I have to say that from what I've read this is one of my favorites. Crystal put in a lot more scenes with Will Montgomery (from Kristen Proby's Play With Me) than I've read in other connected novellas and I loved that. It made the book extra special to not just get a passing glance of a character but to actually have them in the story involved a bit.
Copy kindly provided by the author.
September 7, 2020
I absolutely inhaled this book in an afternoon. This little novella packs quite a punch.
A modern day heroine that has to deal with real life issues we all can identify with and a hero who truly has a heart of gold. Both chasing their dreams, finding new ones and falling in love when they weren’t even looking for it.
I’d share my French fries with Alec any day!!!! Loved it!!!
A modern day heroine that has to deal with real life issues we all can identify with and a hero who truly has a heart of gold. Both chasing their dreams, finding new ones and falling in love when they weren’t even looking for it.
I’d share my French fries with Alec any day!!!! Loved it!!!
September 14, 2020
I absolutely inhaled this book in an afternoon. This little novella packs quite a punch.
A modern day heroine that has to deal with real life issues we all can identify with and a hero who truly has a heart of gold. Both chasing their dreams, finding new ones and falling in love when they weren’t even looking for it.
I’d share my French fries with Alec any day!!!! Loved it!!!
~Heather💜
A modern day heroine that has to deal with real life issues we all can identify with and a hero who truly has a heart of gold. Both chasing their dreams, finding new ones and falling in love when they weren’t even looking for it.
I’d share my French fries with Alec any day!!!! Loved it!!!
~Heather💜
September 12, 2020
Hot and sexy nerd alert! Alec and Karli are amazing. If you love a nerdy yet athletic hero and a strong and boss heroine, then this is most definitely for you. Sexy, fun, and all the feels.
August 20, 2020
I love the idea behind these Lady Boss Press Quick Snap novellas; it's a great way to sample an author's writing style while staying in the With Me in Seattle world we know and love.
And let me just say, I could not get enough of Alec and Karli. The connection between these two was sizzling from the start, add in the hot geek vibe Alec was putting out and all the witty banter and slow burn between them quickly became a raging inferno and I am here for it!
And let me just say, I could not get enough of Alec and Karli. The connection between these two was sizzling from the start, add in the hot geek vibe Alec was putting out and all the witty banter and slow burn between them quickly became a raging inferno and I am here for it!
September 17, 2020
Running Forward by Crystal Perkins is one of the novellas in the Quick Snap collection released by Lady Boss Press. It's set in Seattle with the football team coached by Will Montgomery, part of the With Me universe created by Kristen Proby.
Karli Jensen and her hot next-door neighbor Alec Flynn are constantly butting heads. Her stream of food deliveries always seem to get misdirected to his unit, and his good-natured teasing about her sparkly fashion choices set her teeth on edge. Granted, some of this is simply amping up the attraction that sparks between the two of them. An attraction that they need to put on hold when Alec gets a second chance at his childhood dream of playing professional football and it turns out that Karli? She's not just his neighbor, she's his coach.
Crystal Perkins' story is sweet and hot and fun. Alec and Karli are terrific characters, taking the stereotypical football player and cheerleader characters and turning them into fantastic, not-like-everyone-else people. As a female football coach, Karli has had to put up with more than her share of detractors. And as a later-in-life player who has quite the nerdy past? Alec hasn't exactly had it easy either.
Running Forward is a great read, and I'm eager to read more by Crystal Perkins.
Karli Jensen and her hot next-door neighbor Alec Flynn are constantly butting heads. Her stream of food deliveries always seem to get misdirected to his unit, and his good-natured teasing about her sparkly fashion choices set her teeth on edge. Granted, some of this is simply amping up the attraction that sparks between the two of them. An attraction that they need to put on hold when Alec gets a second chance at his childhood dream of playing professional football and it turns out that Karli? She's not just his neighbor, she's his coach.
Crystal Perkins' story is sweet and hot and fun. Alec and Karli are terrific characters, taking the stereotypical football player and cheerleader characters and turning them into fantastic, not-like-everyone-else people. As a female football coach, Karli has had to put up with more than her share of detractors. And as a later-in-life player who has quite the nerdy past? Alec hasn't exactly had it easy either.
Running Forward is a great read, and I'm eager to read more by Crystal Perkins.
September 19, 2020
@Handbagjunkie; @wondermomlv
I am a huge Kristen Proby fan so was excited to see the spin off of her ‘With Me’ series.
I think the premise behind this short novella by Crystal Perkins is smart. Tomboyish yet still feminine main female character who falls for the sexy, smart neighbor only to find out she is his boss. As a female in a male dominated field she can’t show any weakness. The chemistry between the two characters was amazing, the dirty talk was a little wonky for me...don’t get me wrong, I. love me some sexy talk, this just seemed forced. Also, major, major pain point for me was the incorrect football reference. I am a huge sports fan so when you write in your story several times that a character is a running back make sure you understand the different positions on a football field. Running backs run with the ball, receiver catch the ball. If Alec is a running back then he can’t fumble the catch thrown by the quarterback. Just saying.
I am a huge Kristen Proby fan so was excited to see the spin off of her ‘With Me’ series.
I think the premise behind this short novella by Crystal Perkins is smart. Tomboyish yet still feminine main female character who falls for the sexy, smart neighbor only to find out she is his boss. As a female in a male dominated field she can’t show any weakness. The chemistry between the two characters was amazing, the dirty talk was a little wonky for me...don’t get me wrong, I. love me some sexy talk, this just seemed forced. Also, major, major pain point for me was the incorrect football reference. I am a huge sports fan so when you write in your story several times that a character is a running back make sure you understand the different positions on a football field. Running backs run with the ball, receiver catch the ball. If Alec is a running back then he can’t fumble the catch thrown by the quarterback. Just saying.
September 16, 2020
5 Star Review Running Forward (Quick Snap) by Crystal Perkins
Running Forward is part of Kristen Proby's With Me in Seattle Universe. Although not a long book Crystal Perkins wove an interesting story that kept me riveted from the first to the last chapter.
I loved the banter between them Karli Jensen and Alec Flynn as the sparks flew on and off the football field. Alec is shocked when he realizes that his quirky next door neighbor is in fact the assistant coach for his new team.
The push and pull of their relationship made for an entertaining read as friction turned to passion. I fell hard and fast for Alec, he was so swoon worthy and a genuinely nice guy.
What happens when the attraction that sizzles between them becomes too hard to resist? Will they both be able to keep their dream jobs and their blossoming love or will love be the loser?
Running Forward is part of Kristen Proby's With Me in Seattle Universe. Although not a long book Crystal Perkins wove an interesting story that kept me riveted from the first to the last chapter.
I loved the banter between them Karli Jensen and Alec Flynn as the sparks flew on and off the football field. Alec is shocked when he realizes that his quirky next door neighbor is in fact the assistant coach for his new team.
The push and pull of their relationship made for an entertaining read as friction turned to passion. I fell hard and fast for Alec, he was so swoon worthy and a genuinely nice guy.
What happens when the attraction that sizzles between them becomes too hard to resist? Will they both be able to keep their dream jobs and their blossoming love or will love be the loser?
September 13, 2020
Karli and Alec are neighbours who get on each other’s nerves from the work go. Alec gave up his dream of having an NFL careen when his family needed him, and when he gets picked up by his friends team his balloon is bust when he finds out that Karli is his assistant coach. The sparks fly between these two and the chemistry is sizzling. This is a well written flawless story which is humorous, entertaining, and with witty banter, which all leads to an all-consuming little gem of a novella. I recommend this talented authors’ work for all.
September 9, 2020
WOW! I absolutely loved this book! The fact that Karli is the coach for an NFL team was so awesome. I loved how they had to balance work & their relationship. Just like Karli, I LOVE an athletic nerd! Alec was perfect AF. Also, Will & Meg were my favorite book from the With Me in Seattle series and I was so excited to see Will again! Just an amazing read!!!
September 15, 2020
Alec and Karli had me laughing, smiling, and swooning all throughout this story. It's quirky and sexy and I loved the banter between them. It felt like they were kids but the chemistry was palpable. Such a great feel-good story.
September 16, 2020
What a cute novella! Running Forward accomplished a lot in such a short story. What happens when your jerk neighbor turns into your newest player? Even worse, you have an undeniable attraction towards him? Oh and add in some controversy and well you got a great story. Take a chance on this one!
September 18, 2020
Had great snap conversation with witty banter between the H and h. It had a unique plot that I have not read ever before. Bribes of cupcakes and fries, what more do you need?
September 12, 2020
This athletic nerd had me hot under the collar. Lots of drama to deal with but Karli and Alec faced with love in their hearts. A superb little book. Must read.
September 18, 2020
Running Forward (Quick Snap) is part of of Kristen Proby’s With Me in Seattle Universe and Ms Perkins has added a great addition to this group of novellas that make the universe up.
If you are looking for a entertaining read that draws you in with wonderful characters and a great plot I suggest you look no further and you one click Karli Jensen and Alec Flynn’s story.
Alec is new to Seattle and the team and he can’t believe his quirky adorable next door neighbor is the assistant coach for the team he has just joined....that should make her off limits right ....
This was a fun, entertaining read and it certainly ticked my boxes, I loved the banter, the characters and I fell very quickly for the hot Alec Flynn. Will this couple fight off their attraction long enough for them both to have their dream careers, guess you need to one the book to find that out.
If you are looking for a entertaining read that draws you in with wonderful characters and a great plot I suggest you look no further and you one click Karli Jensen and Alec Flynn’s story.
Alec is new to Seattle and the team and he can’t believe his quirky adorable next door neighbor is the assistant coach for the team he has just joined....that should make her off limits right ....
This was a fun, entertaining read and it certainly ticked my boxes, I loved the banter, the characters and I fell very quickly for the hot Alec Flynn. Will this couple fight off their attraction long enough for them both to have their dream careers, guess you need to one the book to find that out.
September 21, 2020
I'm so glad these Quick Snap novellas exist because they combine my two happy places, reading & football. I'm an obsessive fan of both worlds so when they combine, well, I'm in heaven. Crystal Perkins certainly made me over the top happy with her #GIRLPOWER football story. Flynn was on track to play in the NFL when he gave up the dream to help his family. He built a successful tech empire, but now he's bored again. So, he goes to the combine & actually lands on a team. This is where it gets good. See, his neighbor whose buttons he loves to push, is now his Assistant Coach, and that makes her, Karli, my hero. As they see each other a lot more now, the sparks are really starting to fly. So, hit those one click buttons to see how it all plays out, as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
September 24, 2020
Fun read! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. I love to read books from Crystal Perkins, Running Forward is the tenth book in a Quick Snap series. This is Alec and Karli's story. They first met as neighbors. Instead of getting her food deliveries, it goes to the wrong apartment. Karli and Alec are always butting heads. I love the banter and chemistry between them. Karli is working as an NFL coach. Alec after giving up his goals, he finally gets his chance again. Alec is a player on Karli roster. Can they both get along without showing their feelings for each other? This is a quick and easy read. All throughout this story I was laughing, smiling, and swooning. You WILL definitely enjoy reading this one. Have to go back on read the rest of this series. Running Forward can be read as a standalone. Can't wait to read more from this author.
REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
September 25, 2020
Fun read! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. I love to read books from Crystal Perkins, Running Forward is the tenth book in a Quick Snap series. This is Alec and Karli's story. They first met as neighbors. Instead of getting her food deliveries, it goes to the wrong apartment. Karli and Alec are always butting heads. I love the banter and chemistry between them. Karli is working as an NFL coach. Alec after giving up his goals, he finally gets his chance again. Alec is a player on Karli roster. Can they both get along without showing their feelings for each other? This is a quick and easy read. All throughout this story I was laughing, smiling, and swooning. You WILL definitely enjoy reading this one. Have to go back on read the rest of this series. Running Forward can be read as a standalone. Can't wait to read more from this author.
September 20, 2020
Enter Karli and Alec...she has worked hard to make it as an NFL coach...he is her nerdy next door neighbor who has no idea she is about to change his life. When Alec walks onto the practice field after a long absence from football and sees his junk food eating neighbor, he is caught off guard and has no idea what to expect. Karli and Alec are wonderful characters who are fun, passionate, and hardworking. Life hasn’t always been easy for them. Thoroughly enjoyed their board game competitions, humor, and dedication. Readers will become enthralled with Karli and Alec!
October 13, 2020
Good and bad. The author has real talent, and this book is well-written. Enjoyed the read up to a point, and then near the end, I was disappointed.
For me, I really lost any admiration for Alec when he decided it was more important to work on his new app, then it was to stick to his commitments to team and Kari. Lost admiration when his girlfriend allowed her personal life to come before her commitment as a coach and part of her team.
Alec reminds me of a selfish, self-centered entitled child, and that ruined the read for me.
For me, I really lost any admiration for Alec when he decided it was more important to work on his new app, then it was to stick to his commitments to team and Kari. Lost admiration when his girlfriend allowed her personal life to come before her commitment as a coach and part of her team.
Alec reminds me of a selfish, self-centered entitled child, and that ruined the read for me.
September 28, 2020
I really liked this one.
November 6, 2020
If you like football and nerds, then you will love reading about Alec and Karli. Great chemistry and description of food. Makes me want a Red Mill Burger!!
February 28, 2021
This one had it all. Love, laughter and misunderstandings. Alec and Karli both going for their dream and finding so much more.
September 24, 2020
Running Foward is a part of the Quick Snap Novella Series. It is the first one I've read, but it won't be the last.
I loved the quirky back and forth banter between Karli and Alec. I also enjoyed seeing Karli playing a role in a predominantly male world.
If you are looking for a quick, fun, sports romance, check this out.
*I was provided an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*
I loved the quirky back and forth banter between Karli and Alec. I also enjoyed seeing Karli playing a role in a predominantly male world.
If you are looking for a quick, fun, sports romance, check this out.
*I was provided an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*
September 6, 2020
Mr Nerdy Sex God at your service! Cute little quicky!
October 4, 2020
Omg I loved loved loved Karli and Alex's story. This the first book I've by Crystal Perkins and this will not be my last.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews