Stiff Competition

Hardwood Country Club #1

by Amy Pinkston

He’s a born player, but she can’t let him score…

Tabby is done with the rich, preppy guys at Hardwood Country Club. As the tennis pro, she's seen just how spoiled and entitled they are.

Case in point — Fitz Prescott, son of lifetime members who think they rule the entire club. He gets kicked off the pro golf tour, and his reward? First assistant in the golf shop. Does it matter that he has zero experience? Or interest?

When they're teamed up to organize the biggest inter-club event of the year, the last thing Tabby needs is to babysit the egotistical short-timer. But it turns out Fitz is none of those things. He's more determined than anyone she's ever met, and when his arms wrap around her, she's consumed by the passion she finds in his arms and bed.

Love was never part of the game plan. When the time comes for Fitz to return to the tour, will he shatter the record for broken hearts, or will true love win out?

Stiff Competition is a steamy, heartwarming friends-to-lovers stand-alone story where love and redemption are par for the course. Tee up your copy today!

Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2021

About the author

Amy Pinkston writes contemporary romance and romantic comedy. 
She lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband and three spoiled cats. When she’s not writing or doing freelance graphic design work, you’ll find her on the golf course, on a mountain bike trail (likely covered in dirt, blood, or both), hiking, snowshoeing, or camping, and most of the time enjoying a local craft beer afterward. She’s also an avid cook and she travels as often as she can.

Connect with Amy here:

➜ WEBSITE: http://amypinkstonwrites.com
➜ NEWSLETTER: amypinkstonwrites.com/newsletter
➜ FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/amypinkstonwrites
➜ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amypink
➜ TWITTER: www.twitter.com/amypinkston

Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm]

I've been picking this book up and putting it aside for a couple days now. I will finally call it at 30%. It isn't a bad book by any means. I am just not connecting with the story or characters. I may pick it back up at a later date.

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[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stiff Competition is the first book in the Hardwood Country Club Series and it follows the story of Fitz & Tabby. Returning home is the last thing Fitz wanted to do, but when he broke the rules and found himself suspended from golf, he was left with no choice. His return home is only supposed to be temporary….what could possibly go wrong?? Tabby lives and breaths the tennis program at Hardwood Country Club. And after a really public breakup, she vows to never date a co-worker again. Seems easy enough, right?! The thing Tabby never counted on was Fitz. The pull between Fitz and Tabby is instant and leaves them both wanting more. However, once Fitz gets a job at the country club, all bets are off. Tabby knows she should stay away from Fitz, but the more time they spend together, the harder it is to stay away….

Stiff Competition is a small town romance that is easy to read and that will capture your heart. The characters had great chemistry and easily pulled you into their story. Fitz and Tabby’s story was sweet and steamy with just the right amount of drama.

Stiff Competition kicks off the Hardwood Country Club Series with a really good start. This series holds a lot of promise and Stiff Competition hit all the marks that I was looking for. Stiff Competition is my first book by this author and it definitely will not be my last. I had a fun time getting lost in these characters and their story.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/1/2019)! 🎁

[Shari · Rating 3 out of 5]

WARNING 18+
This is book 1 of the "Hardwood Country Club" series.
The hero is on the PGA til a bad decision gets him suspended for six months and he goes back home where he meets the heroine a tennis pro at the country club in his hometown.
The heroine discovers she only has till after the G & T (golf & tennis) event at the country club to keep her job.
The hero at first was one I didn't care for he wasn't a bad boy just someone very immature while the heroine was a person you could relate to.
She at first tried to keep him in the friendship zone but as time went by with them working on the G & T event at the country club where he took over the golf club pro who was dying things got hot.
But there was still obstacles in their way. Would he go back to the PGA? Will she still have her job after the G & T? Will his mother stop throwing his high school girlfriend in his path along with other questions that you ask yourself while reading the book.
I recommend you get the book if enjoy contemporary romance where the characters grow.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynne Cuda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up and coming golf pro Fitz Prescott gets suspended from the PGA tour for 6 months. He decides to head back home where he swore he'd never return to practice (only temporarily!!) at the Hardwood Country Club (HCC) where he learned to love and play golf; Tabby is the tennis pro and athletic director at HCC. She's been threatened with losing her job frequently because the General Manager didn't like that her last and only breakup was so public. Fitz's big dream has always been to play and win on the PGA tour. So he's felt his stay is short, even after he develops feelings for Tabby. For her part, Tabby tried to guard her heart, being aloof, unavailable, and only friendly. No need to look for permanence if Fitz is going to leave, right? The attraction between the 2 is HOT! How long can they withstand the pull? Will they? Won't they? Then they get put on the club's biggest event planning committee together!! Long hours and lots of meetings and jobs on the line. Captivating story you won't want to miss as book 1 in a delightful new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Fritz and Tabby. Fritz is on tour golfing but keeps having bad luck, the latest ended up with him in jail over night and getting suspended from the tour for six months. He's back home and ends up visiting his old mentor Mac at the club. She's the tennis pro at the Heartwood Country Club as was her grandfather before her. When they are forced to work together to on the T&G competition things heat up. But his dream had always been going on tour and but a woman. So image his surprise when he finds he is enjoying her company more than golf. Unfortunately his ex from high school had the rumor mill running crazy. Great story about finding what really matters on life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fun read. I started off thinking Fitz was so full of himself I couldn't possibly like him. The personal growth he goes through during his 6 month suspension changed my mind. He became much more grounded and starts making connections with people around him. I enjoyed seeing the difference between his relationship with Mac versus his relationship with his father.

The way Fitz and Tabby connect is wonderful. She starts off so guarded and I loved seeing how organically they moved beyond friendship. There is a lot of bumps in their road to happiness but I happily followed their journey.

I eagerly await the next HCC book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Pinkston’s Stiff Competition, the first of her Hardwood Country Club Romantic Comedies, is precisely the steamy sports romance with a “small-town feel” that’s promised by its publisher’s blurb. Tabby and Fitz’s romance definitely had me giggling at times but this was more than outweighed by the fun and swoon-worthy romance. The perfect cheer-up romance for those who want it. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Fits was suspended from the PGA tour for six months, I didn't like him very much, but the author did a wonderful job writing his personal growth, albeit with a few minor setbacks. His relationship with Mac, the golf pro at Hardwood Country Club, was so special and sometimes quite emotional. He truly helped shape the man Fitz was becoming. Tabby, the tennis pro at HCC, was very likeable from the beginning although she really struggled to keep her relationship with Fitz "friendship" based only . When the two protagonists team up to run a competitive golf/tennis event, they can only fight their attraction for so long. Congrats, Amy, it's a very fun read!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book from the first page! If you love a feel good romance, then this is a book you'll want to grab. Fitz and Tabby grew up in the same town, worked at the same country club. She had the tennis future and he had the golf future. After a bad decision on Fitz's part and being suspended from golf tour, he ends up coming back home to wait out his suspension. Will he grow up while he's home and start making better decisions? Will the friendship between Fitz and Tabby turn toward romance?

I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and I'm voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have from this author. The main characters Tabby and Fitz, both grew up together in a small town and are working at the same country club. Amy does a wonderful job with this story the blossoming love from there friendship was a long road but happiness prevails. Cant wait to see what amy has to come. I highly recommend this book.

.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of a new series called Hardwood Country Club Romantic Comedies a well-written story that I enjoyed reading. Rising golf star Fitz Prescott is back at Hardwood Country Club after he gets himself into trouble at the PGA tour and is suspended for six months. He meets Tabby Cleveland after hours at the golf course as she is closing up. They will have their ups and downs before they get a happy ending. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written Amy Pinkston; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Fitz and Tabby. I really enjoyed this book. Has a good storyline and the characters are very well developed. This is a feel good romance with lots of laughter and fun. I loved how the author made you aware of what is really important in life. Can be read as a stand-alone. Definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you really heartwarming Love Story. About two people coming together again after high school and getting to know each other. overcoming obstacles that they think is going to keep them apart and finding true love. It's really good very well-written. I loved it a lot and I think you'll enjoy it too.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is in trouble with the good bosses and he is sent home. She was doing a great job until a nasty break up could.cause her to lose the job. They are paired together to win a competition but things may just get steamy between them. See how they get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Miss E R Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story. I enjoyed this book, it was well written and the storyline was good. I look forward to the ne t book in this series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable book with great character development. Fitz, a disgraced golf pro, and Tabby, a golf course employee develop a friendship as they work at the same club. Can this develop into a long term relationship?

[Jackie Hunter harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stiff Competition was a steamy RomCom that had me sucked in from the first page. I loved the chemistry between Fitz and Tabby. I laughed out load a lot and even cried a little. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series and find out what happens to secondary characters at Hardwood CC.

[Petra Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, well written story, which I really enjoyed reading. The characters are likeable and the storyline feels real and believable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The great plot was well written and the characters were so well developed that as I turned each page the chemistry between the characters kept me totally hooked until the very last page!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun book to read. I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters and the story was really well written. I loved it and would recommend it to others!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[April Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. This book has a good story with good characters. It was a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beautifully written story with so much emotions. The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline had enough of a personality to keep you interested page to page.

[Katie Blythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

*This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Fitz is a professional golfer who is on his way to winning the biggest competition of his career. However, after a night of drinking with friends, and some public urination, he’s picked up by police and put in jail overnight until he posts bail. He’s ready to put the night behind him, but his manager says that the arrest will ruin his and the clubs reputation, so he’s forced to sit the competition out and come back in six months when everything dies down. Fitz is devastated but there isn’t much more he can do so he goes back home to his hometown where he can practice and hope the six months fly by.
Tabby is a tennis instructor and works at a sports club giving people lessons. However, less and less people are getting lessons, so her job is starting to become obsolete and she needs to figure out what she can do to keep working there. Fitz arrives and gets a job at the club as a stockman, and Tabby is a little upset that he gets a job immediately when her job is being questioned. Her boss says that she can stay as long as she and Fitz can figure out a way to bring more people in and garner more business. She likes Fitz but he has proven more than once that he is not very reliable. There are a few meetups where he missed all together, and is extremely late to an important meeting they had with their boss to discuss ideas, so she’s unsure of where she stands with him. She knows that he’s leaving in six months but the more time she spends with him, the more she’s starting to fall for him. She tries as hard as she can to keep her distance, but the attraction between them just might be too strong.
This was just ok to me. It was just kind of the standard boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy does all he can to win girl back scenario. If you enjoy run of the mill love stories like this you may enjoy it, but I just wanted more out of it. I was excited for the golf references because I played golf a lot when I was younger so I know most of the terms, but there weren’t that many and it was a little disappointing. I know that not everyone may know the sport so you don’t want to add too many to be confusing, but I just wish there was more.

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***

[Agnes Parlocha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me by booksprout. I am leaving this review freely. This story is a great read. I like the push and pull of the personal conflict with the professional. The love that just falls at your feet when you arent even looking. I am not much for sports but this is a great read. So hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fitz is a functional alcoholic, but no one seems to have noticed. But he settles down with a woman, and now he will suddenly be able to control his drinking? I don't think so. Chelsea gets the shaft big time here, and no one notices that either. And does Tom get his comeuppance? Nope. Disappointing

[Carolyn W · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Unfortunately I just couldn't get into this book. Both of the main characters bugged me. They were both immature and irritating.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤❤❤❤❤

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ ME

I am going to start my review with a quasi-spoiler alert. The letter Max wrote was not only heartbreaking but the best happily ever after.

I enjoyed the book. I am not much into reading about sports and romance. I believe I will have to start. This is my first experience reading Amy Pinkston's work. What a delightful surprise. I have to say this not only had a plot, good characters you can relate too but you could also feel the trials , tribulations, sadness and happiness. Great read.
---from the title I thought this was going to be on the other side of romance books-- all sex. Not the case. This book was about love as a basis of a relationship. Can you imagine?