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Atlanta Rising Football Club #1
Out of Bounds
Welcome to the Atlanta Rising Football Club, where the temperature isn't the only thing turning up the heat...
Felicity Sutherland knows what people think of her. She just doesn't care. Her attitude is her armor, and it hasn't failed her yet. Thick skin and working hard in the male-dominated sports industry placed her dream job within reach. And as she vies to become president of the Atlanta Rising Football Club, there isn't a competitor, or a distractingly handsome co-worker, that can get in her way.
The only games Gunnar Gracin has time for are the ones he coaches on the pitch. But life just keeps bending the ball, especially where the women in his life are concerned. The death of his wife over a decade ago was a devastating loss. Discovering an adult daughter from an encounter he doesn't remember changed all the rules. And working for the frosty, sharp-tongued Felicity is downright infuriating.
But as Gunnar and Felicity spend more time together, the tension between them sizzles like a hot summer night. And the moment Gunnar gets a taste of Felicity's smart mouth, he decides to throw the playbook out the window. If no one knows what they're up to, giving in to temptation doesn't feel so out of bounds. That is, until life gets in the way and the whistle is blown. Will it be a red card for Gunnar and Felicity's secret romance?
Out of Bounds is a standalone enemies-to-lovers, age gap contemporary romance. Enjoy it on its own, or as part of the series, with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA!
Felicity Sutherland knows what people think of her. She just doesn't care. Her attitude is her armor, and it hasn't failed her yet. Thick skin and working hard in the male-dominated sports industry placed her dream job within reach. And as she vies to become president of the Atlanta Rising Football Club, there isn't a competitor, or a distractingly handsome co-worker, that can get in her way.
The only games Gunnar Gracin has time for are the ones he coaches on the pitch. But life just keeps bending the ball, especially where the women in his life are concerned. The death of his wife over a decade ago was a devastating loss. Discovering an adult daughter from an encounter he doesn't remember changed all the rules. And working for the frosty, sharp-tongued Felicity is downright infuriating.
But as Gunnar and Felicity spend more time together, the tension between them sizzles like a hot summer night. And the moment Gunnar gets a taste of Felicity's smart mouth, he decides to throw the playbook out the window. If no one knows what they're up to, giving in to temptation doesn't feel so out of bounds. That is, until life gets in the way and the whistle is blown. Will it be a red card for Gunnar and Felicity's secret romance?
Out of Bounds is a standalone enemies-to-lovers, age gap contemporary romance. Enjoy it on its own, or as part of the series, with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA!
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2021
123 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Claire Hastings
29 books829 followersClaire Hastings is a walking, talking awkward moment. She loves Diet Coke, gummi bears, the beach, and books (obvs). When not reading she can usually be found hanging with friends at a soccer match or grabbing food (although she probably still has a book in her purse). She and her husband Drew live in Atlanta with their fur-child Denali.
She can be found here:
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She can be found here:
Instagram | Facebook | Reader Group | Amazon | Website | Newsletter | BookBub
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 14, 2021
Oh look, another book I’ve read and not reviewed! *blank stare* I need supervision! Why am I like this?!
I have been a fan of Claire’s work since day one! This book has not un-fanned me in the least. If anything, I am an even bigger cheerleader because, soccer! #winning One of the aspects of Claire’s work that I love the best is how relatable and realistic her stories unfold. She also doesn’t heap drama unto a story just to be dramatic. Everything just blends really well, and I can’t think of a single instance where I’ve rolled my eyes LOL
Felicity and Gunner are a couple you will not only love to get lost in but will root for like you’re their BFF. They are both ridiculously likeable and I even thought I would have to warm up to or get used to Felicity (if you read Claire’s work, she shouldn’t be new to you) but I liked her instantly! It was amazing! I will be honest on one thing; I think some of you may not like Felicity’s personality too much and it would be a justifiable feeling. Her world view is very specific to her upbringing and how she looks at the world, especially men, is also very specific to her environment and if you, the reader, haven’t lived that particular environment, she might be off-putting to you. And it would be legit. Hopefully though, you’ll be able to see where she’s coming from and understand her a bit better. She will test you for sure lol but Claire did an exceptional job with her character, imo. Do with that info what you will :)
I’m really looking forward to reading how Claire develops this world in the future. She did a good job of blending the secondary characters (mainly the team) in the story without it being overwhelming and I am already invested in everyone’s future!
I have been a fan of Claire’s work since day one! This book has not un-fanned me in the least. If anything, I am an even bigger cheerleader because, soccer! #winning One of the aspects of Claire’s work that I love the best is how relatable and realistic her stories unfold. She also doesn’t heap drama unto a story just to be dramatic. Everything just blends really well, and I can’t think of a single instance where I’ve rolled my eyes LOL
Felicity and Gunner are a couple you will not only love to get lost in but will root for like you’re their BFF. They are both ridiculously likeable and I even thought I would have to warm up to or get used to Felicity (if you read Claire’s work, she shouldn’t be new to you) but I liked her instantly! It was amazing! I will be honest on one thing; I think some of you may not like Felicity’s personality too much and it would be a justifiable feeling. Her world view is very specific to her upbringing and how she looks at the world, especially men, is also very specific to her environment and if you, the reader, haven’t lived that particular environment, she might be off-putting to you. And it would be legit. Hopefully though, you’ll be able to see where she’s coming from and understand her a bit better. She will test you for sure lol but Claire did an exceptional job with her character, imo. Do with that info what you will :)
I’m really looking forward to reading how Claire develops this world in the future. She did a good job of blending the secondary characters (mainly the team) in the story without it being overwhelming and I am already invested in everyone’s future!
July 9, 2021
I knew I’d enjoy this book. Sports romance: check. Cold hearted all business female character: check. Male character who obviously knows what love is and doesn’t think it’s a weakness: check. It was very promising. And I more than enjoyed it–I LOVED it.
I realized that the book was quite long and I was afraid that it would stall or be overly complicated. None of that. It’s just that the author takes her time to develop the characters and their interactions. Maybe a few paragraphs are a bit redundant, but all the scenes are unique and useful, and come one after the other fluidly.
As for the characters, with all the time offered to them, they’re well developped. Even the side characters–some of them comes from another series by the author, but what was written here about them was enough to make me understand them. Except the “bad guys” of the story. They’re also way more than cardboard characters, but since we don’t get their point of view, we don’t know their motivations. It was especially frustrating with Felicity’s father.
It was interesting to see Gunnar and Felicity open up to each other. The author associates the enemies to lovers trope to the story, though I never saw them as enemies. There’s attraction from the beginning, and Felicity admits trying to become nicer to Gunnar. Forbidden, certainly–since they work together. And complicated, since both of them are closed off because of past trauma.
I liked that the book was about the team’s coach–instead of the grumpy goalie or the flashy striker. With this position comes a lot of behind-the-scene looks at a professional soccer team, while keeping a lot of sports action. Perfect balance.
My only complain is that Felicity seemed losing more and more of her confidence along the story, but I suppose everyone has their breaking point and Felicity finally reached it.
Quickie
- Series: Atlanta Rising football club #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #sports romance #soccer #enemies to lovers #office romance
- Triggers: attempted assault, ordinary sexism, sickness
- Main couple: Felicity Sutherland & Gunnar Gracin
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + the leisurely pace that helps with developping the characters and their story
- – though Felicity is supposed to be independant, she still needs a man’s recognition to know her value, it’s sad
I realized that the book was quite long and I was afraid that it would stall or be overly complicated. None of that. It’s just that the author takes her time to develop the characters and their interactions. Maybe a few paragraphs are a bit redundant, but all the scenes are unique and useful, and come one after the other fluidly.
As for the characters, with all the time offered to them, they’re well developped. Even the side characters–some of them comes from another series by the author, but what was written here about them was enough to make me understand them. Except the “bad guys” of the story. They’re also way more than cardboard characters, but since we don’t get their point of view, we don’t know their motivations. It was especially frustrating with Felicity’s father.
It was interesting to see Gunnar and Felicity open up to each other. The author associates the enemies to lovers trope to the story, though I never saw them as enemies. There’s attraction from the beginning, and Felicity admits trying to become nicer to Gunnar. Forbidden, certainly–since they work together. And complicated, since both of them are closed off because of past trauma.
I liked that the book was about the team’s coach–instead of the grumpy goalie or the flashy striker. With this position comes a lot of behind-the-scene looks at a professional soccer team, while keeping a lot of sports action. Perfect balance.
My only complain is that Felicity seemed losing more and more of her confidence along the story, but I suppose everyone has their breaking point and Felicity finally reached it.
Quickie
- Series: Atlanta Rising football club #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #sports romance #soccer #enemies to lovers #office romance
- Triggers: attempted assault, ordinary sexism, sickness
- Main couple: Felicity Sutherland & Gunnar Gracin
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + the leisurely pace that helps with developping the characters and their story
- – though Felicity is supposed to be independant, she still needs a man’s recognition to know her value, it’s sad
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June 8, 2021
The first time Felicity was introduced in Caught Up In You I absolutely disliked her, I didn’t think there was any way I could like her, but I was wrong….oh so wrong about her. I completely fell in love with her. I was rooting for her. She is a BA, she is strong. She has worked harder than most people in her fathers’ company and has fought hard to get where she is. She is a woman in a man’s world and didn’t let that stop her.
By the end of the first chapter, I was already in love with Gunnar, with Cowboy and the entire Atlanta Rising team. These guys are awesome and I seriously can’t wait for more of them. Gunnar is hard working, he through himself into work after tragedy struck. Become head coach was a good change for him, however, he also got a few surprises along the way that he never expected.
I absolutely fell hard for Gunnar and Felicity. These two are perfect for each other. They needed each other more than each of them realized. The banter between them in the beginning is amazing, there is plenty of tension going on. There is a hilarious scene between Gunnar and Felicity that will have you laugh and fanning yourself thanks to the delicious tension within minutes. You’ll fall hard for Gunnar, the man is swoony and super romantic.
I’m completely on #TeamARFC and I can’t wait to return to Atlanta!
If you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, age gap, sports romance this is one to check out!
By the end of the first chapter, I was already in love with Gunnar, with Cowboy and the entire Atlanta Rising team. These guys are awesome and I seriously can’t wait for more of them. Gunnar is hard working, he through himself into work after tragedy struck. Become head coach was a good change for him, however, he also got a few surprises along the way that he never expected.
I absolutely fell hard for Gunnar and Felicity. These two are perfect for each other. They needed each other more than each of them realized. The banter between them in the beginning is amazing, there is plenty of tension going on. There is a hilarious scene between Gunnar and Felicity that will have you laugh and fanning yourself thanks to the delicious tension within minutes. You’ll fall hard for Gunnar, the man is swoony and super romantic.
I’m completely on #TeamARFC and I can’t wait to return to Atlanta!
If you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, age gap, sports romance this is one to check out!
July 8, 2021
After retiring from professional soccer, Gunnar becomes Atlanta Rising Football Club’s head coach. He’s forced to work with Felicity, who is gunning for being president of the club. She has a harsh & in-your-face personality that can rub Gunnar the wrong way. But on the other hand, Felicity’s personality revs Gunnar’s engine too, although he doesn’t want to admit it.
After being forced to share a hotel room at an away game, things heat up between Gunnar & Felicity. They decide to keep things a secret, as their personal relationship could make their professional ones way too complicated. And you know what they say about playing with fire…you’re bound to get burned.
Out of Bounds by Claire Hastings is book 1 in the Atlanta Rising Football Club series. If you read Claire’s Indigo Royal Resort series, you’ll recognize a handful of the characters from this book, although you don’t need to read that series before this. I’m a sucker for sports romances where both of the love interests work for the same team, so I enjoyed that element a lot. This is a good sports romance with lots of drama & soccer talk. Sometimes third person POV works for me, while others it doesn’t and I think it hindered my full enjoyment here. If soccer romances with a forbidden element are your jam, you may really enjoy this! 3/5 stars.
Thank you to Claire Hastings & Elle Woods PR for my review copy.
After being forced to share a hotel room at an away game, things heat up between Gunnar & Felicity. They decide to keep things a secret, as their personal relationship could make their professional ones way too complicated. And you know what they say about playing with fire…you’re bound to get burned.
Out of Bounds by Claire Hastings is book 1 in the Atlanta Rising Football Club series. If you read Claire’s Indigo Royal Resort series, you’ll recognize a handful of the characters from this book, although you don’t need to read that series before this. I’m a sucker for sports romances where both of the love interests work for the same team, so I enjoyed that element a lot. This is a good sports romance with lots of drama & soccer talk. Sometimes third person POV works for me, while others it doesn’t and I think it hindered my full enjoyment here. If soccer romances with a forbidden element are your jam, you may really enjoy this! 3/5 stars.
Thank you to Claire Hastings & Elle Woods PR for my review copy.
July 26, 2025
great read!
A HOT enemies to lovers story that gets you right from the go! I absolutely LOVED this story - the banter between them, the steamy chemistry, the family dynamics, it had it ALL! Having Gunner in Felicity’s corner makes my heart happy considering her father, step mom, and jerk of a man that is her step mother’s brother are so crappy to her. At the end, I’m glad her brother came through for her too! After the push and pull, these two got their happily ever after ❤️
A HOT enemies to lovers story that gets you right from the go! I absolutely LOVED this story - the banter between them, the steamy chemistry, the family dynamics, it had it ALL! Having Gunner in Felicity’s corner makes my heart happy considering her father, step mom, and jerk of a man that is her step mother’s brother are so crappy to her. At the end, I’m glad her brother came through for her too! After the push and pull, these two got their happily ever after ❤️
July 10, 2021
A soccer focused romance with wicked chemistry brewing between two employees working for the Atlanta Rising.
Felicity Sutherland wants the president job that was automatically handed over to her younger brother, who didn't even want it. Her entire life is summed up in the word, overlooked, but it doesn't' mean she gives up. She continues to work hard and strive for what she wants and nothing will stand in her way.
Gunner Gracin is the new head coach of the Atlanta Rising and a total nice guy to boot. He has a lot on his plate heading a new soccer team and finding out he has a twenty-something year old daughter that he never knew he'd fathered is almost enough to overwhelm him, but Felicity offers her help in making Talia feel comfortable and it has a way of opening Gunner up and their chemistry which was already high just goes to another level.
Felicity had a ton of tenacity and fire and honestly I went back and forth on whether I liked her or not. I completely empathized with her being taken for granted in the workplace. She's working in a male dominated field and worked hard to get where she is, but I also felt her shrew-like attitude and lack of respect for those around her wasn't quite the way to get respect for herself. It seemed that everyone in her life kept telling her to reign it in, but she justified it in her mind feeling that all men could be total dicks and get away with it, and to some extent, anyone can have a poor attitude and still be successful, but I wouldn't put ALL men in that category.
Felicity's dad is a major douche. Once you meet him you begin to understand why Felicity acts the way she does, along with other factors that pile up, and it totally softened my attitude for this woman. I want her to be the best at everything she can be and of course I want Gunner to appreciate her for who she is, which of course he does. There is a lot more to Felicity than she lets people see, for instance she helps out Gunner's daughter and befriends her before really knowing her. It had nothing to do with Gunner, it was just helping her out because it's what you do.
Now, Gunner...here is a big, strong guy who has just found out he's a dad and his daughter is in her twenties. He's the head coach of a new soccer team and should he really get involved with the team president's daughter? Probably not, but he can't seem to help himself. Once he gets to know Felicity and really sees all sides of her personality he opens up more and lets his own walls down, which is saying a lot since he lost his first wife years ago and never thought he'd fall again.
I can't say I understood any of the soccer terminology (it's just not a sport I watch - sorry), but having it in there didn't throw off my reading or take away from the enjoyment. What I did enjoy was the interaction between the team members, as they were all so unique and since this was a new team, there is lots of potential for this series to go places. Overall a 4.5 read.
Felicity Sutherland wants the president job that was automatically handed over to her younger brother, who didn't even want it. Her entire life is summed up in the word, overlooked, but it doesn't' mean she gives up. She continues to work hard and strive for what she wants and nothing will stand in her way.
Gunner Gracin is the new head coach of the Atlanta Rising and a total nice guy to boot. He has a lot on his plate heading a new soccer team and finding out he has a twenty-something year old daughter that he never knew he'd fathered is almost enough to overwhelm him, but Felicity offers her help in making Talia feel comfortable and it has a way of opening Gunner up and their chemistry which was already high just goes to another level.
Felicity had a ton of tenacity and fire and honestly I went back and forth on whether I liked her or not. I completely empathized with her being taken for granted in the workplace. She's working in a male dominated field and worked hard to get where she is, but I also felt her shrew-like attitude and lack of respect for those around her wasn't quite the way to get respect for herself. It seemed that everyone in her life kept telling her to reign it in, but she justified it in her mind feeling that all men could be total dicks and get away with it, and to some extent, anyone can have a poor attitude and still be successful, but I wouldn't put ALL men in that category.
Felicity's dad is a major douche. Once you meet him you begin to understand why Felicity acts the way she does, along with other factors that pile up, and it totally softened my attitude for this woman. I want her to be the best at everything she can be and of course I want Gunner to appreciate her for who she is, which of course he does. There is a lot more to Felicity than she lets people see, for instance she helps out Gunner's daughter and befriends her before really knowing her. It had nothing to do with Gunner, it was just helping her out because it's what you do.
Now, Gunner...here is a big, strong guy who has just found out he's a dad and his daughter is in her twenties. He's the head coach of a new soccer team and should he really get involved with the team president's daughter? Probably not, but he can't seem to help himself. Once he gets to know Felicity and really sees all sides of her personality he opens up more and lets his own walls down, which is saying a lot since he lost his first wife years ago and never thought he'd fall again.
I can't say I understood any of the soccer terminology (it's just not a sport I watch - sorry), but having it in there didn't throw off my reading or take away from the enjoyment. What I did enjoy was the interaction between the team members, as they were all so unique and since this was a new team, there is lots of potential for this series to go places. Overall a 4.5 read.
July 16, 2021
A new series by Claire Hasting's is always a good thing. Out of Bounds is a brilliant start.
Gunnar Gracin is a professional footballer (soccer) star turned coach that has his work cut out for him on and off the pitch. I adore Gunner so much Claire Hasting, from his ruggedly good looks, to his huge heart for family and friends to his heartfelt chats with his deceased wife Anya. This man had my heart in a puddle.
Felicity Sutherland (Dalton's older sister) knows she had to develop a thick skin and hard working ethic to make it in the male-dominated sports industry, such as her family’s business Sutherland. She was out to prove to her father that she was just as capable as the opposite sex in their family, but at what cost? I am all the way in love with Flick! This woman has dealt with so much throughout her life and is still strong, witty, brilliant and so damn lovely.
Felicity Sutherland is a hot sexy force to be reckoned with and it will take a real man to see her under all those walls she has built up. Gunner has no time to have heated discussions with the flame blower known as Felicity Sutherland, right now he has to get his team ready for their first game opener and deal with his surprise 22 year old daughter. This hero and heroine are just amazing. Each struggling with personal life issues, becoming friends sharing past stories.(which I am not revealing here) their connection is real on all levels. Magnificent!
The supporting characters are just as amazing as the main characters in Out of Bounds the first book in the Atlanta Rising Football Club series. I can’t wait to see what Author Claire Hastings has in planned for this series, but with that being said, I am off to search for Dalton and Zar’s story, as well as Cullen and Lenora story as they are ready made couples in Out of Bounds.
Out of Bounds is Atlanta Rising Football Club series book #1 By Claire Hasting and all I can say is, “ It is going to be hard to out do this first book.” There is so many interesting characters, many degrees of fun and interesting things to learn from the characters.
Rated 5 Stilettos and a Recommended Read by Deb!
Gunnar Gracin is a professional footballer (soccer) star turned coach that has his work cut out for him on and off the pitch. I adore Gunner so much Claire Hasting, from his ruggedly good looks, to his huge heart for family and friends to his heartfelt chats with his deceased wife Anya. This man had my heart in a puddle.
Felicity Sutherland (Dalton's older sister) knows she had to develop a thick skin and hard working ethic to make it in the male-dominated sports industry, such as her family’s business Sutherland. She was out to prove to her father that she was just as capable as the opposite sex in their family, but at what cost? I am all the way in love with Flick! This woman has dealt with so much throughout her life and is still strong, witty, brilliant and so damn lovely.
Felicity Sutherland is a hot sexy force to be reckoned with and it will take a real man to see her under all those walls she has built up. Gunner has no time to have heated discussions with the flame blower known as Felicity Sutherland, right now he has to get his team ready for their first game opener and deal with his surprise 22 year old daughter. This hero and heroine are just amazing. Each struggling with personal life issues, becoming friends sharing past stories.(which I am not revealing here) their connection is real on all levels. Magnificent!
The supporting characters are just as amazing as the main characters in Out of Bounds the first book in the Atlanta Rising Football Club series. I can’t wait to see what Author Claire Hastings has in planned for this series, but with that being said, I am off to search for Dalton and Zar’s story, as well as Cullen and Lenora story as they are ready made couples in Out of Bounds.
Out of Bounds is Atlanta Rising Football Club series book #1 By Claire Hasting and all I can say is, “ It is going to be hard to out do this first book.” There is so many interesting characters, many degrees of fun and interesting things to learn from the characters.
Rated 5 Stilettos and a Recommended Read by Deb!
July 12, 2021
This is book 1 in a brand new series but it also continues the authors previous series, in that its connected to the previous series, Indigo Royal.
Dalton a main character in this book and Zara, his fiancee, were a couple in that series. At the end of their story, in What I Like About You, we see Dalton aka Tripp Sutherland, go home to Atlanta and agree to run a soccer team his father bought for him.
The soccer/football club team is called Atlanta Rising and it is a team in Atlanta and Dalton is running this team. He has a strong interest in soccer which is why his father bought the team. Felicity is his sister and she popped up in the Indigo series when she was trying to get Dalton to come home and the soccer team was meant to draw him home. She was portrayed as sort of a stuck up brat but I actually really liked her. So I was pretty excited to read her story.
This story is a romance between a much older new coach for the team, Gunnar who is a widowed former player who just found out he has a 22 year old daughter named Talia, and Felicity. Because Felicity is management and runs things, its a bit of a forbidden romance and so they get together in secret. If you like forbidden romances, an at work romance, and a big age gap story plus hot soccer players well you will adore this story.
This story for me was more about family. The soccer team was formed as a family team. Dalton and Felicity are running the family company. Talia and Gunner and his young protege, Liam become a family as well.
The author did a really great job with this story. It was filled with drama and secrets and lust, love and even betrayal. There is also a lot of soccer talk and it was all too complicated for me. But this was a complicated story with many secrets and also a lot of love. Its about the family you are born to but also the one you make with friends.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dalton a main character in this book and Zara, his fiancee, were a couple in that series. At the end of their story, in What I Like About You, we see Dalton aka Tripp Sutherland, go home to Atlanta and agree to run a soccer team his father bought for him.
The soccer/football club team is called Atlanta Rising and it is a team in Atlanta and Dalton is running this team. He has a strong interest in soccer which is why his father bought the team. Felicity is his sister and she popped up in the Indigo series when she was trying to get Dalton to come home and the soccer team was meant to draw him home. She was portrayed as sort of a stuck up brat but I actually really liked her. So I was pretty excited to read her story.
This story is a romance between a much older new coach for the team, Gunnar who is a widowed former player who just found out he has a 22 year old daughter named Talia, and Felicity. Because Felicity is management and runs things, its a bit of a forbidden romance and so they get together in secret. If you like forbidden romances, an at work romance, and a big age gap story plus hot soccer players well you will adore this story.
This story for me was more about family. The soccer team was formed as a family team. Dalton and Felicity are running the family company. Talia and Gunner and his young protege, Liam become a family as well.
The author did a really great job with this story. It was filled with drama and secrets and lust, love and even betrayal. There is also a lot of soccer talk and it was all too complicated for me. But this was a complicated story with many secrets and also a lot of love. Its about the family you are born to but also the one you make with friends.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2021
“𝗜 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝘁, 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗲. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗶𝘁. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁.”
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Let’s talk about “Out of Bounds by Claire Hastings”, first book in the Atlanta Rising Football Club series.
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This is my first book from Claire and I wonder why it took me so long! Although she writes in a third POV, which is not my usual, it was so easy to fall in love with the story. I was Team Felicity from the first moment she show up on the pages, she is brilliant, strong and trying to take the reins of her family business, in a very male orientated world, the football/soccer one. I adore her and stand behind all the things and reactions she had during the story. Which at the beginning proved a problem, because I despised everyone who looked her wrong, for even a minute.
Including Gunnar and her SO awful family. By his actions, I quickly changed my mind about Gunnar. He was achieving his dream to be a football coach and at the same time, found out the had a very grown up daughter. While dealing with this, he also had to deal with Felicity or as he called her, Effie. Their banter was incredible, I laughed a lot at them, since they tried so hard to be apart, but their chemistry was explosive.
They were exactly what the other needed in their lives. He needed someone to bring him back to life, to make him happy and light. And she needed someone who supports and love her unconditionally, but also knew the value of her mind, ideas and leadership. They were it for each other and I absolutely loved.
I had some problems with her brother, Dalton. He totally forgot what their dad did to them, and even worse not even once supported Felicity in anything, especially against Jonah. Things got worse when we find out what Jonah did to her in the past. Some may say Dalton did something in the end, I say it was too little and definitely too late. Anyway, the end and the bonus epilogue made me swoon SO hard over Effie and Gunnar, such couple goals! I can’t wait to read more from this series.
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Let’s talk about “Out of Bounds by Claire Hastings”, first book in the Atlanta Rising Football Club series.
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This is my first book from Claire and I wonder why it took me so long! Although she writes in a third POV, which is not my usual, it was so easy to fall in love with the story. I was Team Felicity from the first moment she show up on the pages, she is brilliant, strong and trying to take the reins of her family business, in a very male orientated world, the football/soccer one. I adore her and stand behind all the things and reactions she had during the story. Which at the beginning proved a problem, because I despised everyone who looked her wrong, for even a minute.
Including Gunnar and her SO awful family. By his actions, I quickly changed my mind about Gunnar. He was achieving his dream to be a football coach and at the same time, found out the had a very grown up daughter. While dealing with this, he also had to deal with Felicity or as he called her, Effie. Their banter was incredible, I laughed a lot at them, since they tried so hard to be apart, but their chemistry was explosive.
They were exactly what the other needed in their lives. He needed someone to bring him back to life, to make him happy and light. And she needed someone who supports and love her unconditionally, but also knew the value of her mind, ideas and leadership. They were it for each other and I absolutely loved.
I had some problems with her brother, Dalton. He totally forgot what their dad did to them, and even worse not even once supported Felicity in anything, especially against Jonah. Things got worse when we find out what Jonah did to her in the past. Some may say Dalton did something in the end, I say it was too little and definitely too late. Anyway, the end and the bonus epilogue made me swoon SO hard over Effie and Gunnar, such couple goals! I can’t wait to read more from this series.
June 22, 2021
I have read many sports romances but never one about football, so when I discovered Claire Hastings would release a football series, I was super excited, and she didn't disappoint.
I loved the heroine, Felicity, from the start. She came across as a bitch, but I immediately knew it was a mask. Since I have done the same in the past and understand what it is like to feel pressured by family, she felt very familiar.
Gunnar is the coach of Atlanta Rising but is friends with lots of people who work there. At first, he doesn't like Felicity, but soon he quickly can look past her walls, that was something I liked. Their relationship progressed so naturally, they bonded over the same things real-life people bond over. Felicity and Gunnar's banter was funny and how they care for each other was sweet, they compliment each other.
The sex scenes were well built, descriptive, and hot.
Lots of other characters got introduced, but it didn't overwhelm. I liked them all and can't wait to discover who will be the next main characters in the series.
I liked how realistic this story was, it a real-life tale but with many unique touches.
I loved the references to the author's other series and even Julia Jarrett's Westmount. I love author friends supporting each other in every way.
While reading, it is obvious how much research the author did for this book. There is more to a professional football club than the eye meets, and Claire Hastings explained it all very well. She also pointed out how women get treated in the football world and how wrong it is.
There is emotion, angst, and drama in this story, but there is also lots of lightness and humor. I loved getting swept up in this well-built world to get to know these new characters. Once I started, I didn't want to stop reading, and I loved every page of this book.
I received an ard from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I loved the heroine, Felicity, from the start. She came across as a bitch, but I immediately knew it was a mask. Since I have done the same in the past and understand what it is like to feel pressured by family, she felt very familiar.
Gunnar is the coach of Atlanta Rising but is friends with lots of people who work there. At first, he doesn't like Felicity, but soon he quickly can look past her walls, that was something I liked. Their relationship progressed so naturally, they bonded over the same things real-life people bond over. Felicity and Gunnar's banter was funny and how they care for each other was sweet, they compliment each other.
The sex scenes were well built, descriptive, and hot.
Lots of other characters got introduced, but it didn't overwhelm. I liked them all and can't wait to discover who will be the next main characters in the series.
I liked how realistic this story was, it a real-life tale but with many unique touches.
I loved the references to the author's other series and even Julia Jarrett's Westmount. I love author friends supporting each other in every way.
While reading, it is obvious how much research the author did for this book. There is more to a professional football club than the eye meets, and Claire Hastings explained it all very well. She also pointed out how women get treated in the football world and how wrong it is.
There is emotion, angst, and drama in this story, but there is also lots of lightness and humor. I loved getting swept up in this well-built world to get to know these new characters. Once I started, I didn't want to stop reading, and I loved every page of this book.
I received an ard from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 14, 2021
This is a new-to-me author, and I received an ARC of this book and am very happy to write my personal review. Because this is book one of the Atlanta Rising Football Club series, I thought that I was going to be reading a story revolving around football – an honest mistake. The story actually revolves around professional soccer, which was fine by me since I love a good sports romance. I’d say that this story is better than good. I loved every minute of it. It has smart, witty, caring characters, who are also tough but vulnerable. It focuses on Felicity Sutherland, the smart, sophisticated, older sister of Dalton Sutherland, acting President of the Atlanta Rising Football Club. Felicity is very busy trying to survive in a man’s world, where her brother is heir to the Southland Holdings empire built by her retired father, while seeking recognition for her talents and contributions to the business and club as well as the approval of her father – not easy tasks as it turned out. She’s earned the reputation of a hard-nosed bitch, and she doesn’t allow anyone to get close – until newly hired Coach of Atlanta Rising, Gunnar Gracin, starts getting under her skin. The two continually fight their attraction for many reasons, among which is the fact that Gunnar just recently discovered he has a 22-year-old daughter he’s determined to build a father/daughter relationship with. There is a lot going on in this story with the team, the business, Gunnar’s issues, and with Felicity’s family, which includes her stepmother and half-sister. The majority of the characters, which all have their own backstories, are very likeable, with a few exceptions. Every single time Felicity’s step-uncle, Jonah, opened his mouth, I wanted to jump into the book and slap him around! The bottom line is that this is a very well written, interesting, witty story with lots of steam woven in. I’m glad I took this chance on a new author.
July 10, 2021
I love it when a secondary character from a previous book appears in a new one and we discover their off putting demeanor, the first go round, is nothing like we suspected. This is exactly how I felt about Felicity. She is a sassy, harsh, quick tongue woman who says what she thinks - usually to the point of coming off insulting - and that is how Gunnar and most of those around her see her. Felicity is gunning for a promotion to President of the Atlanta Rising Football Club (a club her father owns and due to health reasons her older brother and Gunners best friend is now running) and she isn’t going to let anything stop her.
As for Gunnar, he has really been through the ringer the past few years. He quit playing the sport he loved to spend time with his beloved wife who was terminally ill. After her passing he goes through a rough patch but is brought back into the fold by his best friend and former teammate as the head coach of the newly formed Atlanta Rising Soccer Team. But he also learns he has a daughter from a one night stand he had 22 years ago. Yes, to say the least, Gunners life has been an adventure lately and having to work day in and day out with Felicity is not helping. He’ll admit she a very attractive woman and occasionally has eroitic thoughts but then she opens her mouth and blows those fantasies right out the window.
But when a hotel mix-up has Gunner and Felicity sharing a room, all bets are off. Their secret attraction to one another comes out and boy oh boy what a night. But will her vie for a promotion and what’s best for the team kill their flame or will the day in and day out routine only make the secret sizzle burn wild.
This is a very good enemies to lovers, standalone romance. A little lengthy in parts for me but hopefully that was to preface upcoming books in the series.
4 sports filled days and sizzling nights stars.
As for Gunnar, he has really been through the ringer the past few years. He quit playing the sport he loved to spend time with his beloved wife who was terminally ill. After her passing he goes through a rough patch but is brought back into the fold by his best friend and former teammate as the head coach of the newly formed Atlanta Rising Soccer Team. But he also learns he has a daughter from a one night stand he had 22 years ago. Yes, to say the least, Gunners life has been an adventure lately and having to work day in and day out with Felicity is not helping. He’ll admit she a very attractive woman and occasionally has eroitic thoughts but then she opens her mouth and blows those fantasies right out the window.
But when a hotel mix-up has Gunner and Felicity sharing a room, all bets are off. Their secret attraction to one another comes out and boy oh boy what a night. But will her vie for a promotion and what’s best for the team kill their flame or will the day in and day out routine only make the secret sizzle burn wild.
This is a very good enemies to lovers, standalone romance. A little lengthy in parts for me but hopefully that was to preface upcoming books in the series.
4 sports filled days and sizzling nights stars.
July 19, 2022
I’m a sucker for a good sports romance. This will be a short review, for no reason other than I think you should read it, and I don’t want to give spoilers. So, if you love soccer/sports romances, office romances, enemies to lovers trope, forced proximity trope, age gap trope, strong and smart female leads AND a male lead who understands love and is in tune with his emotions…then please, do me a favor and check out this book. It is all put together so well, I was impressed.
Gunnar is a widower, and former professional European footballer turned coach. He is hired to coach an expansion team in the USA. Once he arrives, he discovers he has a (adult) daughter he never knew about. He also meets (the often perceived as b*tchy) Felicity, who is on the board for the team. Being female in male dominated industries, and always being ignored by her father, has caused her to put up walls and hide her true personality.
All the unraveling after that is just *chef’s kiss*. Minimal drama, and what does unfold is within the context of the story line (no coming out of nowhere craziness). They get their happily ever after, and I loved every minute of it.
Key Notes/Tropes:
MMC is a widower
MMC is an unexpected single dad to an adult daughter
Sports romance
Office romance
Forced proximity
Enemies to lovers
Outside of her financial status, FMC is relatable
⚠️death of important people to the MCs happen prior to book storyline, but are mentioned throughout
⚠️death of side character during the book
Thank you to The Smuthood and Claire Hastings for an amazing read! I will be checking out the rest of the series!
Gunnar is a widower, and former professional European footballer turned coach. He is hired to coach an expansion team in the USA. Once he arrives, he discovers he has a (adult) daughter he never knew about. He also meets (the often perceived as b*tchy) Felicity, who is on the board for the team. Being female in male dominated industries, and always being ignored by her father, has caused her to put up walls and hide her true personality.
All the unraveling after that is just *chef’s kiss*. Minimal drama, and what does unfold is within the context of the story line (no coming out of nowhere craziness). They get their happily ever after, and I loved every minute of it.
Key Notes/Tropes:
MMC is a widower
MMC is an unexpected single dad to an adult daughter
Sports romance
Office romance
Forced proximity
Enemies to lovers
Outside of her financial status, FMC is relatable
⚠️death of important people to the MCs happen prior to book storyline, but are mentioned throughout
⚠️death of side character during the book
Thank you to The Smuthood and Claire Hastings for an amazing read! I will be checking out the rest of the series!
September 3, 2021
In the interest of full disclosure, I'm not much of a soccer fan, but having read and enjoyed several of the author's previous books, I decided to give this one a shot anyway. I'm really glad I did! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
Shortly after landing his dream job as head coach of the Atlanta Rising Football Club, widower Gunnar Gracin learned that he had a 22-year-old daughter from a one-night stand that took place prior to his marriage. Fortunately, the team stood by him, but the last thing he wanted to do was make any further mistakes that could put his career in jeopardy. Getting involved with Felicity Sutherland, the Rising's Director of Team Services and daughter of the team's owner, would certainly qualify as one of those mistakes. However, the more time Gunnar spent with Felicity, the more he realized that there was a big heart hidden beneath her prickly exterior, and he wanted to help the rest of the world see it too.
Felicity was an incredibly complex character, and I have to admit that I found her to be rather off-putting for at least the first quarter of the book. I certainly sympathized with her plight as a woman fighting to be taken seriously in a male-dominated industry, as well as her grief at having to work so hard for her father's approval. That said, there were times when her resentment of the situation made her come across as nasty and unpleasant, and it seemed more like she was throwing a temper tantrum than standing up for herself as a strong, professional woman. However, as the story progressed and Felicity started to let her guard down with Gunnar, I was able to see her in a different light. I think she had been searching for love and validation for a long time, and finally found what she needed in her relationships with Gunnar, his daughter Talia, and several other secondary characters.
My one (minor) frustration with the book was Gunnar's relationship with his daughter Talia, which I would have liked to see developed a bit more. In some ways it felt like an afterthought, used mainly as a source of drama in his relationship with Felicity rather than a legitimate piece of Gunnar's character growth. Hopefully Talia will be back in a future story so that we can see their relationship continue to deepen.
Overall, I enjoyed "Out of Bounds" and would recommend it for all fans of contemporary/sports romance. I plan to continue with the series.
*Review copy provided by the author via Elle Woods PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
Shortly after landing his dream job as head coach of the Atlanta Rising Football Club, widower Gunnar Gracin learned that he had a 22-year-old daughter from a one-night stand that took place prior to his marriage. Fortunately, the team stood by him, but the last thing he wanted to do was make any further mistakes that could put his career in jeopardy. Getting involved with Felicity Sutherland, the Rising's Director of Team Services and daughter of the team's owner, would certainly qualify as one of those mistakes. However, the more time Gunnar spent with Felicity, the more he realized that there was a big heart hidden beneath her prickly exterior, and he wanted to help the rest of the world see it too.
Felicity was an incredibly complex character, and I have to admit that I found her to be rather off-putting for at least the first quarter of the book. I certainly sympathized with her plight as a woman fighting to be taken seriously in a male-dominated industry, as well as her grief at having to work so hard for her father's approval. That said, there were times when her resentment of the situation made her come across as nasty and unpleasant, and it seemed more like she was throwing a temper tantrum than standing up for herself as a strong, professional woman. However, as the story progressed and Felicity started to let her guard down with Gunnar, I was able to see her in a different light. I think she had been searching for love and validation for a long time, and finally found what she needed in her relationships with Gunnar, his daughter Talia, and several other secondary characters.
My one (minor) frustration with the book was Gunnar's relationship with his daughter Talia, which I would have liked to see developed a bit more. In some ways it felt like an afterthought, used mainly as a source of drama in his relationship with Felicity rather than a legitimate piece of Gunnar's character growth. Hopefully Talia will be back in a future story so that we can see their relationship continue to deepen.
Overall, I enjoyed "Out of Bounds" and would recommend it for all fans of contemporary/sports romance. I plan to continue with the series.
*Review copy provided by the author via Elle Woods PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 17, 2022
“I know you, Effie. Every last part of you.”
Out of Bounds was the perfect introduction to the Atlanta Rising Football Club, starting with Gunnar Gracin, the head coach of the new soccer team in Georgia. Soccer is his passion, and he's incredibly excited to coach these men towards success. One thing he doesn't count on? More facetime with the President of the club, Felicity Sutherland. She may be beautiful, but they have never gotten along. Felicity has never been seen as someone who knows anything about soccer or the job she is gunning for. But she's here to show all the men of the company and Atlanta Rising that she's a force to be reckoned with. She can't have the distraction or fraternization of Gunnar, the head coach.
"She had no idea what it was about a barefoot man in jeans, but it did her in every time. And this barefoot man in jeans? Well, shit, there really was no hope."
I enjoyed Gunnar's character and his story arc. He was an ex-soccer player who loved the game and was excited to get a team together and be coaching. The introduction of his daughter, whom he didn't know about, added some excitement and conflict that Gunnar was forced to deal with. Between Talia and Felicity, Gunnar grew in his ability to understand his feelings and emotions and those closest to him. I was rooting for him the entire book.
“I mean it, Effie. You are beautiful, inside and out, even if you don’t let the world see it. Thank you for letting me in on the secret.”
Out of Bounds was a well-written sports romance that seamlessly juggled the sports action with the personal life experiences that the characters faced and the romance that brought everything together. I eagerly devoured it from beginning to end and want to continue the series as soon as possible.
"Every now and again, I’m allowed to know something. Just remember that.”
Out of Bounds was the perfect introduction to the Atlanta Rising Football Club, starting with Gunnar Gracin, the head coach of the new soccer team in Georgia. Soccer is his passion, and he's incredibly excited to coach these men towards success. One thing he doesn't count on? More facetime with the President of the club, Felicity Sutherland. She may be beautiful, but they have never gotten along. Felicity has never been seen as someone who knows anything about soccer or the job she is gunning for. But she's here to show all the men of the company and Atlanta Rising that she's a force to be reckoned with. She can't have the distraction or fraternization of Gunnar, the head coach.
"She had no idea what it was about a barefoot man in jeans, but it did her in every time. And this barefoot man in jeans? Well, shit, there really was no hope."
I enjoyed Gunnar's character and his story arc. He was an ex-soccer player who loved the game and was excited to get a team together and be coaching. The introduction of his daughter, whom he didn't know about, added some excitement and conflict that Gunnar was forced to deal with. Between Talia and Felicity, Gunnar grew in his ability to understand his feelings and emotions and those closest to him. I was rooting for him the entire book.
“I mean it, Effie. You are beautiful, inside and out, even if you don’t let the world see it. Thank you for letting me in on the secret.”
Out of Bounds was a well-written sports romance that seamlessly juggled the sports action with the personal life experiences that the characters faced and the romance that brought everything together. I eagerly devoured it from beginning to end and want to continue the series as soon as possible.
"Every now and again, I’m allowed to know something. Just remember that.”
June 18, 2021
This is a new to me author that I'm glad I found. This book was full of raw emotions that just ate at me. Felicity is a balls to the wall tough woman working in a man's job. She has to fight twice as hard to get things done. She can be scary but deep down she is just another soul looking for acceptance. Unfortunately the person she wants acceptance from the most doesn't seem to care. Then we have Gunner. A handsome retired footie player passing each day since his wife's death by working hard and helping make young football (soccer) athletes great. He has come to Atlanta to be the head coach of a new football club. He also just found out he has a 22 yr old daughter from a one night stand. His life has taken a turn he never expected. With that turn comes feelings for a certain tough woman who melts in his arms every time.
I loved these two. Every encounter with them gets better and better until they finally explode. These two are destined for each other. Gunner is the glue that will forever hold Felicity together. Felicity is the breath of air Gunner has been needing. Add in all the fun side characters and this book has everything I needed. It was hard to put done. My only qualm about this book was Big D and how he treated Felicity. Oh and Jonah. That man deserves to be disliked. If you love athletes and ball busting women than this is a book you don't want to pass up!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*
I loved these two. Every encounter with them gets better and better until they finally explode. These two are destined for each other. Gunner is the glue that will forever hold Felicity together. Felicity is the breath of air Gunner has been needing. Add in all the fun side characters and this book has everything I needed. It was hard to put done. My only qualm about this book was Big D and how he treated Felicity. Oh and Jonah. That man deserves to be disliked. If you love athletes and ball busting women than this is a book you don't want to pass up!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*
July 4, 2021
My Review ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
Gunner may be one of the sweetest alphas I have had the pleasure to read in a long time.
The relationship between Gunner & Felicity starts out as more of a vinegar & oil type interest but from the first of the book you knew that they would turn into peanut butter and jelly quick if they ever gave into that heat that came off each other.
Gunner came to Atlanta for one thing - to coach little did he expect to have a twenty two year old daughter show up that he had no clue about. Talia wanted to get to know her bio dad and in tern she ends up becoming close with Felicity.
The relationship between these two is great to watch progress because Felicity has a special spot for Talia because she saw herself at that age and not having a mother herself she knew that she may need a shoulder here and there.
Granted at the first of this book I kind of wanted to throat punch Felicity for being such a hard nose but then as the book progresses we see why she has to act this way.
Gunner finally made Felicity see that he has always seen her when no one else did and that was one of the most heartfelt gestures that he could ever do.
I loved this couple and of course we see more of Cullen & Dalton in here along with funny moments form Cowboy and then the intro of a quiet viking looking player named Liam that I’m kind of rooting for him and Talia in the end.
*I received this book as an arc for my honest review and I loved it.
Gunner may be one of the sweetest alphas I have had the pleasure to read in a long time.
The relationship between Gunner & Felicity starts out as more of a vinegar & oil type interest but from the first of the book you knew that they would turn into peanut butter and jelly quick if they ever gave into that heat that came off each other.
Gunner came to Atlanta for one thing - to coach little did he expect to have a twenty two year old daughter show up that he had no clue about. Talia wanted to get to know her bio dad and in tern she ends up becoming close with Felicity.
The relationship between these two is great to watch progress because Felicity has a special spot for Talia because she saw herself at that age and not having a mother herself she knew that she may need a shoulder here and there.
Granted at the first of this book I kind of wanted to throat punch Felicity for being such a hard nose but then as the book progresses we see why she has to act this way.
Gunner finally made Felicity see that he has always seen her when no one else did and that was one of the most heartfelt gestures that he could ever do.
I loved this couple and of course we see more of Cullen & Dalton in here along with funny moments form Cowboy and then the intro of a quiet viking looking player named Liam that I’m kind of rooting for him and Talia in the end.
*I received this book as an arc for my honest review and I loved it.
July 12, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ New sports romance series with a bit of humor
A new sports series by Claire Hastings building off her previous series. What grabbed me about this story was the blurb that indicated this was a more mature romance with a sports theme. I enjoyed the sexual tension and the romantic relationship build between Gunnar and Felicity. There are a few humorous situations that add to an enjoyable read.
I did struggle with Felicity’s character, who came across very juvenile in her behavior versus a 31-year old adult. I wouldn’t call throwing a fit in a professional setting as being armored. Her character was bit over the top whenever she perceived being overlooked or wronged. This left me feeling disenchanted with her character at times, wanting to tell her to grow up. I did like how she engaged with Gunnar’s new found daughter, taking her underwing.
Now Gunnar is a other matter. He has just learned he has an adult daughter and his interest in Felicity must show extreme patience and understanding all while starting a new job. I think he should have been sainted. I like how the author had him talking to his deceased wife for advice. This was really good device to move this story along.
Overall, the book is a good sports romance with a bit of levity with a female character that needs to grow up.
A new sports series by Claire Hastings building off her previous series. What grabbed me about this story was the blurb that indicated this was a more mature romance with a sports theme. I enjoyed the sexual tension and the romantic relationship build between Gunnar and Felicity. There are a few humorous situations that add to an enjoyable read.
I did struggle with Felicity’s character, who came across very juvenile in her behavior versus a 31-year old adult. I wouldn’t call throwing a fit in a professional setting as being armored. Her character was bit over the top whenever she perceived being overlooked or wronged. This left me feeling disenchanted with her character at times, wanting to tell her to grow up. I did like how she engaged with Gunnar’s new found daughter, taking her underwing.
Now Gunnar is a other matter. He has just learned he has an adult daughter and his interest in Felicity must show extreme patience and understanding all while starting a new job. I think he should have been sainted. I like how the author had him talking to his deceased wife for advice. This was really good device to move this story along.
Overall, the book is a good sports romance with a bit of levity with a female character that needs to grow up.
July 13, 2021
This one scored in my book! Out of Bounds is a sports romance with grit and heart. Characters that you'll fall in love with, and a strong heroine that keeps fighting for what she deserves.
Felicity Sutherland is a fierce boss, fighting against the prejudice in her family to achieve the position in her fathers company that should rightfully be hers. She puts on a strong front, but inside she's still just a daughter that wants her dad to finally see her worth.
Gunnar Gracin has retired from professional sports, and loves his job as the new head coach. He's thrown for a loop when it's revealed he has a grown adult daughter that he never knew existed, and he's also forced to work with the one woman he shouldn't have any interest in.
There's such great character development throughout this story. Once Felicity let down her guard (even if it wasn't intentional), I couldn't put the book down. I also loved watching Gunnar take on the protective dad role, even though it's all new to him.
A wonderful start to a new series, this is one sports romance that will keep you captivated from start to finish. Even if you're not a fan of Felicity at the start, give her a chance, and I promise you'll be rooting for her before you know it!
Blog review - https://yeahorneighreviews.blogspot.c...
Felicity Sutherland is a fierce boss, fighting against the prejudice in her family to achieve the position in her fathers company that should rightfully be hers. She puts on a strong front, but inside she's still just a daughter that wants her dad to finally see her worth.
Gunnar Gracin has retired from professional sports, and loves his job as the new head coach. He's thrown for a loop when it's revealed he has a grown adult daughter that he never knew existed, and he's also forced to work with the one woman he shouldn't have any interest in.
There's such great character development throughout this story. Once Felicity let down her guard (even if it wasn't intentional), I couldn't put the book down. I also loved watching Gunnar take on the protective dad role, even though it's all new to him.
A wonderful start to a new series, this is one sports romance that will keep you captivated from start to finish. Even if you're not a fan of Felicity at the start, give her a chance, and I promise you'll be rooting for her before you know it!
Blog review - https://yeahorneighreviews.blogspot.c...
July 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book by Claire Hastings. It was my first book by her and it certainly kept my attention and interest because I stayed up past my bedtime to finish it plus the bonus scenes I signed up to receive for signing up for her newsletter.
I was happy to see Gunnar and Felicity’s interactions progress from her snarky comments and his perception of her being a ball buster to their eventual happy ending. Felicity definitely needed someone in her corner! As I read how her family treated Felicity my hackles kept raising more and more. The author developed Felicity into a character I quickly became invested in and cared enough about to be defensive and pissed off on her behalf as Felicity in her position with the Atlanta Rising presented ideas in meetings and a specific male character did everything to either take credit for her ideas or to discredit her. Grrr!
The relationship with Gunnar was emotionally deep and progressed quickly yet realistically given their life experiences and age. Both were well developed characters. I am a bit intrigued to see who might be the focus of the next book in this series. I’m hoping for Cowboy and the lady reporter, Theo.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was happy to see Gunnar and Felicity’s interactions progress from her snarky comments and his perception of her being a ball buster to their eventual happy ending. Felicity definitely needed someone in her corner! As I read how her family treated Felicity my hackles kept raising more and more. The author developed Felicity into a character I quickly became invested in and cared enough about to be defensive and pissed off on her behalf as Felicity in her position with the Atlanta Rising presented ideas in meetings and a specific male character did everything to either take credit for her ideas or to discredit her. Grrr!
The relationship with Gunnar was emotionally deep and progressed quickly yet realistically given their life experiences and age. Both were well developed characters. I am a bit intrigued to see who might be the focus of the next book in this series. I’m hoping for Cowboy and the lady reporter, Theo.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2021
This is a new series about the Atlanta Rising football (soccer) team. If you read the Indigo Royal Resort series by Claire some of the characters in this book will be familiar to you. There are also many new and interesting characters that I hope we get to see in future books. I’m a sucker for a good sports romance and I enjoyed this book. Gunnar and Felicity are the main characters – he is the coach and she is the owners daughter, but also works for the team.
Felicity is abrasive, has quite the caustic tongue which is her protective mechanism for keeping people at bay. However, she does have a much softer, caring side that very few people get to see. I have to say, I was not crazy about her, even when I got see the more human side of her. Gunnar moved to Atlanta for his dream job – but he got more than he bargained for. Gunnar and Felicity were actually perfect for each other. She brought him back to life, gave him new meaning and purpose. He looked beneath her gruff, acerbic personality and saw the woman that needed unconditional support and love. Their chemistry is off the charts.
This new series is off to a good start and if you enjoy sports romances this may be the book for you. Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Felicity is abrasive, has quite the caustic tongue which is her protective mechanism for keeping people at bay. However, she does have a much softer, caring side that very few people get to see. I have to say, I was not crazy about her, even when I got see the more human side of her. Gunnar moved to Atlanta for his dream job – but he got more than he bargained for. Gunnar and Felicity were actually perfect for each other. She brought him back to life, gave him new meaning and purpose. He looked beneath her gruff, acerbic personality and saw the woman that needed unconditional support and love. Their chemistry is off the charts.
This new series is off to a good start and if you enjoy sports romances this may be the book for you. Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2021
Claire Hastings has delved into the world of soccer/football with her new Atlanta Rising series, starring Felicity and Gunnar. Felicity Sutherland is vying for acknowledgment and success with the family business Southland Holdings, owners of the Atlanta Rising and may come across as bold and brash, but we, and Gunnar see glimpses of her vulnerability and softer side as she tackles this world of mainly men. Gunnar Gracin, former football star and now Head Coach of a brand new football team in a new city, life is throwing him surprises, namely a newly-discovered 22year old daughter!
Out of Bounds has steam, it has surprises and laughter and a somewhat forbidden romance full of chemistry and attraction. I enjoyed this storyline, sports romance is one I am a fan of, even though a lot of the sports terminology of soccer went over my head!
I enjoyed the team dynamics of the players and staff and Claire Hastings has woven this all together with romance, family dramas and some funny moments! I liked the addition of Talia, Gunnar’s daughter, she’s an adult finding her own way in life and their own burgeoning relationship added a unique dimension to the story.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to the author for an early copy of this book, this is an honest review.
Out of Bounds has steam, it has surprises and laughter and a somewhat forbidden romance full of chemistry and attraction. I enjoyed this storyline, sports romance is one I am a fan of, even though a lot of the sports terminology of soccer went over my head!
I enjoyed the team dynamics of the players and staff and Claire Hastings has woven this all together with romance, family dramas and some funny moments! I liked the addition of Talia, Gunnar’s daughter, she’s an adult finding her own way in life and their own burgeoning relationship added a unique dimension to the story.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to the author for an early copy of this book, this is an honest review.
July 11, 2022
You have to love when a book challenges some of the gender norms you have been conditioned to believe. Out of Bounds did that. You’ve got Gunner, a widower who recently learns he fathered a child 20+ years ago at the same time he takes his dream job of head coach for a new soccer team in Atlanta. He is older and wiser yet he is compassionate and fair. Gunner understands the complexity of human emotions, but he can’t help but be perplexed in the best ways by Felicity.
Then you have Felicity ‘Flick’ Sutherland, a young woman who has made it her life’s mission to be a member of the good ole’ boys club. At the sacrifice of her personal happiness she has curated this persona for badassery. But as we all know that can backfire. In a effort to be taken seriously she has made others feel intimidated almost fearful of her.
Under all of that bluster is a really insecure and anxious little girl who never felt validated or seen by anyone. Leave it to the older gruff sexy as all get out head coach to be the first one to really see and understand her. Not only her role in relation the the club, but also her role as a woman in 2022. She challenges some of his unconscious biases and helps him connect with his daughter.
Now, I will say at one point in this book I wanted to shake Felicity and just tell her to get out of her own way! It was frustrating and boy did I get fired up at times, but that is what made it so good! She is a real person who sometimes can’t be bothered to get out of her own way. Just like the rest of us.
Jonah and Big D, respectfully, can have a nice long chat with my fist. But Gunner and Effie are everything and I simply adored them
Then you have Felicity ‘Flick’ Sutherland, a young woman who has made it her life’s mission to be a member of the good ole’ boys club. At the sacrifice of her personal happiness she has curated this persona for badassery. But as we all know that can backfire. In a effort to be taken seriously she has made others feel intimidated almost fearful of her.
Under all of that bluster is a really insecure and anxious little girl who never felt validated or seen by anyone. Leave it to the older gruff sexy as all get out head coach to be the first one to really see and understand her. Not only her role in relation the the club, but also her role as a woman in 2022. She challenges some of his unconscious biases and helps him connect with his daughter.
Now, I will say at one point in this book I wanted to shake Felicity and just tell her to get out of her own way! It was frustrating and boy did I get fired up at times, but that is what made it so good! She is a real person who sometimes can’t be bothered to get out of her own way. Just like the rest of us.
Jonah and Big D, respectfully, can have a nice long chat with my fist. But Gunner and Effie are everything and I simply adored them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2021
I absolutely loved this! It's my first introduction to both and I instantly loved them!
I really felt for Felicity. Yes she comes across as a bit of a nightmare but she hasn't had it easy in life, lost her mum at a young age, her dad basically isn't interested and she has a stepmom who is a complete nightmare! She has been working her way up through the family company but gets totally looked over by her Dad for her Younger brother, who hasn't shown any interest in it. She has put walls up to protect herself from anymore hurt.
Gunnar hasn't had it easy himself , his wife died at a young age, he retired early from a football career that he loved to spend time with her. He decides to relocate to Atlanta and is the new coach of soccer team Atlanta rising!
Gunnar and Felicity are definitely enemies at first sight but when both their walls start to break down the sparks start flying!
I loved this book and I can't wait to discover who is next in the series, I am kinda hoping it's Liam but also excited for Cowboy to get a story!
I love a sports romance and there aren't enough soccer ones out there so I was excited when I won a copy of this.
I really felt for Felicity. Yes she comes across as a bit of a nightmare but she hasn't had it easy in life, lost her mum at a young age, her dad basically isn't interested and she has a stepmom who is a complete nightmare! She has been working her way up through the family company but gets totally looked over by her Dad for her Younger brother, who hasn't shown any interest in it. She has put walls up to protect herself from anymore hurt.
Gunnar hasn't had it easy himself , his wife died at a young age, he retired early from a football career that he loved to spend time with her. He decides to relocate to Atlanta and is the new coach of soccer team Atlanta rising!
Gunnar and Felicity are definitely enemies at first sight but when both their walls start to break down the sparks start flying!
I loved this book and I can't wait to discover who is next in the series, I am kinda hoping it's Liam but also excited for Cowboy to get a story!
I love a sports romance and there aren't enough soccer ones out there so I was excited when I won a copy of this.
July 12, 2021
Out of Bounds is the first book by Claire Hastings that I have had the pleasure of reading and after this story I can definitely say that I am a fan. I loved her writing style, her interesting characters and the engaging storyline.
Felicity took a bit of time to warm up to. I found her character a bit frustrating at times. She seemed to overreact in certain situations and had so much self doubt for a successful business women but I guess her past issues with her dad truly affected her confidence as an adult. I am happy that she finally found someone who understood and saw her for who she really is.
Gunnar is definitely the more levelheaded of the two. He is handling a new job, a surprise daughter and a budding relationship all in stride. He ends up being the rock that Felicity needs and she in turn helped him have a chance at healthy relationship with his daughter. These two found a way to overcome the obstacles thrown at them, balance each other out and find their happily ever after.
This is the first book in the new Atlanta Rising Football Club series and I am excited to see where the rest of the series takes us.
Felicity took a bit of time to warm up to. I found her character a bit frustrating at times. She seemed to overreact in certain situations and had so much self doubt for a successful business women but I guess her past issues with her dad truly affected her confidence as an adult. I am happy that she finally found someone who understood and saw her for who she really is.
Gunnar is definitely the more levelheaded of the two. He is handling a new job, a surprise daughter and a budding relationship all in stride. He ends up being the rock that Felicity needs and she in turn helped him have a chance at healthy relationship with his daughter. These two found a way to overcome the obstacles thrown at them, balance each other out and find their happily ever after.
This is the first book in the new Atlanta Rising Football Club series and I am excited to see where the rest of the series takes us.
July 13, 2021
Claire Hastings has converted me from a Hockey girl to a Football (Soccer) crusher. I loved that she included an "easter egg" from the one other novel I have read by her and I assume more.
Felicity and Gunner are flawed characters with secrets in their closets and anxieties in their hearts and minds.
Felicity has been shooting for perfection and her dream job but life has thrown her so many lemons that she drowning in her lemonade. When her goal is in sight something or rather someone unexpected has made an appearance in her world and is changing her heart and her mind about so many things.
Gunner lost the love of his life many years ago. Through the help and support of his friends and teammates he has moved on and now he has achieved his dream job of coaching a soccer/football team. His problem now is that his "sort of" boss is also very appealing in a BOSSY kind of way.
After working together, they seem to find a way to get along but maybe too good?
This is quite a unique story with so many twists and turns while trying to keep their relationship secret.
I'm glad that this is the start of the series in hopes to be able to catch glimpses of this couple once again.
Felicity and Gunner are flawed characters with secrets in their closets and anxieties in their hearts and minds.
Felicity has been shooting for perfection and her dream job but life has thrown her so many lemons that she drowning in her lemonade. When her goal is in sight something or rather someone unexpected has made an appearance in her world and is changing her heart and her mind about so many things.
Gunner lost the love of his life many years ago. Through the help and support of his friends and teammates he has moved on and now he has achieved his dream job of coaching a soccer/football team. His problem now is that his "sort of" boss is also very appealing in a BOSSY kind of way.
After working together, they seem to find a way to get along but maybe too good?
This is quite a unique story with so many twists and turns while trying to keep their relationship secret.
I'm glad that this is the start of the series in hopes to be able to catch glimpses of this couple once again.
July 13, 2021
Claire Hastings has converted me from a Hockey girl to a Football (Soccer) crusher. I loved that she included an "easter egg" from the one other novel I have read by her and I assume more.
Felicity and Gunner are flawed characters with secrets in their closets and anxieties in their hearts and minds.
Felicity has been shooting for perfection and her dream job but life has thrown her so many lemons that she drowning in her lemonade. When her goal is in sight something or rather someone unexpected has made an appearance in her world and is changing her heart and her mind about so many things.
Gunner lost the love of his life many years ago. Through the help and support of his friends and teammates he has moved on and now he has achieved his dream job of coaching a soccer/football team. His problem now is that his "sort of" boss is also very appealing in a BOSSY kind of way.
After working together, they seem to find a way to get along but maybe too good?
This is quite a unique story with so many twists and turns while trying to keep their relationship secret.
I'm glad that this is the start of the series in hopes to be able to catch glimpses of this couple once again.
Felicity and Gunner are flawed characters with secrets in their closets and anxieties in their hearts and minds.
Felicity has been shooting for perfection and her dream job but life has thrown her so many lemons that she drowning in her lemonade. When her goal is in sight something or rather someone unexpected has made an appearance in her world and is changing her heart and her mind about so many things.
Gunner lost the love of his life many years ago. Through the help and support of his friends and teammates he has moved on and now he has achieved his dream job of coaching a soccer/football team. His problem now is that his "sort of" boss is also very appealing in a BOSSY kind of way.
After working together, they seem to find a way to get along but maybe too good?
This is quite a unique story with so many twists and turns while trying to keep their relationship secret.
I'm glad that this is the start of the series in hopes to be able to catch glimpses of this couple once again.
July 10, 2022
Book review ⚽
Out of bounds by Claire Hastings
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
⚽Age gap
⚽Enemy's to lovers
⚽Work place romance
Felicity Sutherland has always had to prove herself and feels like she is never seen in the men dominated world of Atlanta Rising Football (soccer) club until along came Gunnar Gracin.
While it took a while for Felicity's walls to come down, the tention between them was 🔥🔥.
There was some spicy moments but not too many to take over the story line and the banter between them was fun to read. I did find that while this was a standalone, it is a spin off to pervious members/ characters refered too in the book and would be easier to get the references if you had read the previous books but was still easy to follow along with.
Another great aspect was the empowerment of women! There where times when I become super frustrated with the degrading of women and how often we aren't listened to, especially in "male dominated" industries and how we need more men to stand up for our rights and voice in this world!
Out of bounds by Claire Hastings
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
⚽Age gap
⚽Enemy's to lovers
⚽Work place romance
Felicity Sutherland has always had to prove herself and feels like she is never seen in the men dominated world of Atlanta Rising Football (soccer) club until along came Gunnar Gracin.
While it took a while for Felicity's walls to come down, the tention between them was 🔥🔥.
There was some spicy moments but not too many to take over the story line and the banter between them was fun to read. I did find that while this was a standalone, it is a spin off to pervious members/ characters refered too in the book and would be easier to get the references if you had read the previous books but was still easy to follow along with.
Another great aspect was the empowerment of women! There where times when I become super frustrated with the degrading of women and how often we aren't listened to, especially in "male dominated" industries and how we need more men to stand up for our rights and voice in this world!
December 4, 2022
After reading Checking It Twice by @clairehastings_author and getting a glimpse into the Atlanta Rising I knew I had to read the entire series! Out of Bounds is a great introduction to the team and I loved Coach Gunnar and Felicity as the first couple.
Gunnar just moved to the states to be the head coach for the Atlanta Rising Football Club, a new expansion team and just discovered he has a 22 year old daughter, Talia. Felicity is the Director of Team Services who has a reputation for being pretty abrasive but being a female in a male dominated world can do that to someone.
I loved how supportive Gunnar was the entire time of Felicity and her drive for her career, even before they became friends or more. Felicity is a great role model for Talia and was so helpful when getting her settled in Atlanta. They were a great couple and I love that their dreams came true at the end.
So excited to read about Liam now after getting a few glimpses into who his story will include.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥 Scene: Felicity’s office
Gunnar just moved to the states to be the head coach for the Atlanta Rising Football Club, a new expansion team and just discovered he has a 22 year old daughter, Talia. Felicity is the Director of Team Services who has a reputation for being pretty abrasive but being a female in a male dominated world can do that to someone.
I loved how supportive Gunnar was the entire time of Felicity and her drive for her career, even before they became friends or more. Felicity is a great role model for Talia and was so helpful when getting her settled in Atlanta. They were a great couple and I love that their dreams came true at the end.
So excited to read about Liam now after getting a few glimpses into who his story will include.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥 Scene: Felicity’s office
March 12, 2024
This was an OK read for me! Not exceptionally great, but also not bad. I just found myself getting a little bit bored and putting down the book to do other stuff. The female main character was a bad ass boss chick, but I did find some of her reactive behavior a little bit immature. There were multiple times where she was getting worked up over something, rightfully so, but would stomp her foot and yell, and storm away.
Then, even though she was the older child, she was treated like the younger one, and kind of just fell into that role by continuing to act a little bit immature in my opinion. In the end, she ended up getting what she wanted, but somewhat of a consolation. Even though she still was the main person contributing to the company, her brother got the much larger share and he only gave her 30% when she’s deserved at least half. I don’t know maybe I’m being too harsh, but it just was kind of a letdown in the end. The male main character was literally the golden shining star of this book, though! Loved him
Then, even though she was the older child, she was treated like the younger one, and kind of just fell into that role by continuing to act a little bit immature in my opinion. In the end, she ended up getting what she wanted, but somewhat of a consolation. Even though she still was the main person contributing to the company, her brother got the much larger share and he only gave her 30% when she’s deserved at least half. I don’t know maybe I’m being too harsh, but it just was kind of a letdown in the end. The male main character was literally the golden shining star of this book, though! Loved him
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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