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Jock Hard #5
Jock Reign
IT’S NOT EASY LIVING IN YOUR BROTHERS SHADOW.
Jack Dryden-Jones is easily the worst rugby player on the field—when he moves to The States to follow in his brothers footsteps, he has no idea how he’d hate the game. He’s so horrible he considers faking an injury to take himself out of the game.
Jack is a quick-witted, comic book loving gentleman—not an athlete.
DO NOT DATE YOUR ROOMMATES CRUSH.
When her roommate brings home a random stranger, Eliza is shocked when he makes himself at home; he’s strapping, strong and watching a movie at the end of her couch as if he belongs there.
It makes her uncomfortable in the best way possible.
But if there is one thing she believes in, it’s GIRL CODE: No girl may date her friend's ex, past crush, or guys who have humiliated/used her. And she most certainly may not date any guy her friend currently fancies...
DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Jack and Eliza are two of the good ones—it’s going to take a miracle to keep them apart.
Jack Dryden-Jones is easily the worst rugby player on the field—when he moves to The States to follow in his brothers footsteps, he has no idea how he’d hate the game. He’s so horrible he considers faking an injury to take himself out of the game.
Jack is a quick-witted, comic book loving gentleman—not an athlete.
DO NOT DATE YOUR ROOMMATES CRUSH.
When her roommate brings home a random stranger, Eliza is shocked when he makes himself at home; he’s strapping, strong and watching a movie at the end of her couch as if he belongs there.
It makes her uncomfortable in the best way possible.
But if there is one thing she believes in, it’s GIRL CODE: No girl may date her friend's ex, past crush, or guys who have humiliated/used her. And she most certainly may not date any guy her friend currently fancies...
DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Jack and Eliza are two of the good ones—it’s going to take a miracle to keep them apart.
334 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 29, 2021
229 people are currently reading
1532 people want to read
About the author
Sara Ney
89 books6,629 followersSara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced latte's, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
January 5, 2022
3.5 stars
Jock Reign is the fifth book in Sara Ney’s ‘Jock Hard’ series and is about the hero in the fourth book’s brother, Jack Dryden-Jones. He’s following in his brother’s footsteps. Coming to America, playing rugby, and even having a female roommate.
Eliza isn’t looking for love when Jack stumbles into her house with her roommate but these two realize they have a lot in common and become fast friends. Unfortunately, this causes a lot of strife with the roommate and she ends up moving out. She has nowhere to go, and Jack lets her room there. Just as friends of course.
My favorite thing about this story was Jack. I thought he was a bit refreshing actually. Definitely not your typical jock hero. I liked Eliza too. That’s the hard thing about this one. Unlike my last book, I actually truly liked both of the characters. I just didn’t like some things about the actual story. The roommate thing was too much, and I definitely thought we could have done with more at the end. It was rushed and ended much too quickly for me.
I enjoy this series so much and truly, I love Sara Ney’s sports romances! I’m looking forward to the next one (Jock Romeo) and as soon as it comes out on audio, I’ll be checking it out!
If you’re looking for a cute sports romance with a fantastic and fun hero, check this one out.
Jock Reign is the fifth book in Sara Ney’s ‘Jock Hard’ series and is about the hero in the fourth book’s brother, Jack Dryden-Jones. He’s following in his brother’s footsteps. Coming to America, playing rugby, and even having a female roommate.
Eliza isn’t looking for love when Jack stumbles into her house with her roommate but these two realize they have a lot in common and become fast friends. Unfortunately, this causes a lot of strife with the roommate and she ends up moving out. She has nowhere to go, and Jack lets her room there. Just as friends of course.
My favorite thing about this story was Jack. I thought he was a bit refreshing actually. Definitely not your typical jock hero. I liked Eliza too. That’s the hard thing about this one. Unlike my last book, I actually truly liked both of the characters. I just didn’t like some things about the actual story. The roommate thing was too much, and I definitely thought we could have done with more at the end. It was rushed and ended much too quickly for me.
I enjoy this series so much and truly, I love Sara Ney’s sports romances! I’m looking forward to the next one (Jock Romeo) and as soon as it comes out on audio, I’ll be checking it out!
If you’re looking for a cute sports romance with a fantastic and fun hero, check this one out.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Arielle DeLisle & James Evans
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Sports/NA)
Length: 9h 17m
October 3, 2021
1.5 stars
Reading this was an equivalent of watching the paint dry and eating gravel at the same time. This book suffered from the very same problems that "Jock Royal" did, except it was somehow even worse.
To be fair, there were some things I liked (or rather, could've liked), so let's start with those:
✅ Jack was not the typical jock alpha character
This was refreshing - to an extent, because then he'd say something that made me roll my eyes so hard, but still...He was awkward at times, almost shy, and not that good at sports. He wasn't arrogant or cocky, and wasn't sleeping around. If most of his personality didn't drown in the ever ongoing "culture shock" gig, I would've been able to appreciate it way more.
✅ The romance...could've been cute?
Again, this is an aspect of the story that, in my opinion, got absolutely overshadowed by the bad writing and over-the-top language barrier thing, but overall Eliza and Jack made a cute couple, and this could've been an adorable, low-on-angst read similar to "Jock Row", which I loved.
Now...onto everything else - with quotes, because if I had to go through it, I'm not sparing y'all 😈
🙄 Language barrier between English and...English
Similarly (VERY similarly, almost copy-pastey) to the previous installment in this series, the hero is British - from a posh family, his father is a baron, and the heroine is American. They are both the same age (20-21). And yet the dude sounds as if he's straight out of Jane Austen novel. Actually, no, that's a dig miss Austen does not deserve - but you get my drift.
Again, same as with "Jock Royal", I can understand that there are SOME words and expressions that are different in British English and American English. But FOR FUCK'S SAKE, this does not amount to a language barrier! Unless all the characters in this book are so dumb that they cannot guess the meaning behind the word from, I don't know, context 🙃 I mean, I guess they are dumb, because the author made them all sound dumb as hell indeed.
“No.” He manages to swallow. “I learned my manners from nannies and…” Jack pauses, taking another bite. Chews. Swallows. “At boarding school. Not really Mum.”
Mum.
I’d forgotten they call their mothers Mum in Britain, and I love the way it sounds. So romantic and different."
"Mum" vs. "Mom"...a TOTALLY DIFFERENT word. It's not like it's pronounced almost the same. And "MUM" sounds...so romantic and different, pleaseee I want to cry 😭😭😭
“Wait,” the one named Paige says. “Are you the royal British guy?”
“Am I the what?”
I know what she means—I just want to hear her say it. The fumbling never gets old.
“Shoot, what’s it called? Blue bloods?” She tilts her head to concentrate. “Darn it, what do they call that? Aris…the aristocksy?”
“Aristocracy?”
“That’s it!” She squeals with a giggle and claps. “Are you an earl or something?”
This gem is not from the heroine, but still...aristocracy, that's a difficult word, isn't it 😭
“Are you blokes only calling this meeting coz you’re getting pissed?”
Kaylee leans in. “Are they mad? They don’t seem mad.”
“Pissed,” I say, explaining my English. “Sloshed. Drunk.”
She nods. “Oooh! That makes more sense.”
“I’m a Dryden-Jones. We do not quit.”
Uh. “What’s a Dryden-Jones?” Is that the name of a team?
Jack stares at me as if I’ve grown two heads. “Dryden-Jones is my surname.”
“Your surname?”
He glances up when the server comes over with my omelet, picking up his fork, ready to attack.
Oh no he is not about to eat my other entrée…
No.
“Surname,” he repeats. “You know—my last name?”
I feel my face flushing. “Gosh, I’m sorry. The hyphen threw me off. I don’t think I’ve met anyone with a name like that.” I’m a dumbass and need to stop talking."
Surname vs. last name - also incredibly difficult to get. But worry not, she's not a total dumbass, because the "hyphen threw her of" (can you HEAR the hyphen, btw? just a thought).
“You hunt in the park?”
Her eyes are as wide as saucers, and I give my head a shake. I’d forgotten that the word park means something entirely different in America than it does in England.
“Many times in England,” I explain, “a park is a large piece of land on an estate where there are fowl and stag. When I was growing up, my father used to also hunt fox for sport, but not so much anymore. Not since the animal rights activists latched onto that.” I chuckle. “Been a really long time, come to think of it—perhaps I was a young lad the last time he did.”
PARK MEANS SOMETHING ENTIRELY DIFFERENT IN AMERICA THAN IT DOES IN ENGLAND, HOLD ME
Also, the word Jack actually means would be "parkland" as far as I know, which is park/lands surrounding the estate. But sure, let's make it into "Me British from Mars, you American from Venus" kind of thing, because that's not painful to read at all.
ALSO Jack chuckling at those "animal activists" stopping his dad from killing animals for sport, oh no, what an oppressed life he's had 🙃
"This makes her laugh. “I’m sorry I’m laughing, you poor thing.”
Poor thing.
No one has ever called me that, not a day in my life. Poor thing? Hardly. It must be an American thing to call someone that, and I’m sure she doesn’t mean it literally—I’m far from poor."
I confirmed this with my British friend, and guess what? They do, actually, know the expression "you poor thing", it's not "an American thing" 😭 (if I'm overusing crying emoji, it's only because there's truly no other way to express my feelings about this, it's either that or sarcasm)
I should also mention that above examples are only from first 1/3 of the book, but THERE'S MORE.
"Jack eyes me from across the table, his leg still pressed against mine below it.
“Are you playing footsie with me?” I dare to ask.
“What’s footsie?”
Oh god. Do I have to explain? “It’s…footsie is…it’s…maybe you should just google it.”
I don’t think he actually will, but he does, reading out loud from his phone. “The dictionary says playing footsie is to secretly touch another person’s foot with one’s own foot as a way of showing sexual attraction.” He glances over at me before continuing. “Oh, brilliant. They’ve provided an example. ‘He was playing footsie with her under the dining room table.’” Jack sets his cell back down on the table. “Sounds accurate.”
“I know, but…girl code.”
“What’s girl code?” My brows furrow, and I’m not even trying.
“Are you joking me right now? Do you not know what it is?”
“No I’m not joking you—I’m from London.” Some shite just does not translate and we didn’t exactly discuss Girl Code at the all-lads boarding schools I went to.
“It’s like bro code, but for females.”
I’m still not following the lingo."
"Footsie" and "girl/bro code" did me in, I have no strength to comment on that.
Me: You have a bed in the spare room?
Jack: Yes. And a desk, and a chair. Bathroom en suite.
Me: En suite? What does that mean?
Jack: It means your bedroom has its own attached bathroom. You won’t have to go out into the hall.
I...guess the phrase might not be AS POPULAR in the US but...I mean, come on, this is ridiculous 😭
"Are you avoiding me now?” His low timbre is close to my ear. “Don’t be cross.”
Don’t be cross.
So poetic."
He's a regular Lord Byron, alright 😭
"I know Eliza likes me as much as I like her, and there’s no doubt in my mind that at some point we would have begun a courtship—dating as they say here in the States."
Newsflash, they don't have DATING in England, there's only courtship, curtsying and receiving admirers in your drawing room during tea time 🙃
I know this was a lot of examples but I just wanted to show the magnitude of exaggeration when it came to author utilizing this "cultural shock" thing. Maybe I missed the joke, but it wasn't funny - it was so utterly ridiculous, it just became tiring and eye-roll inducing.
🙄 Clumsy writing
It's not only that the writing was bad, it was just so...stale? Clunky and clumsy, in that, some dialogues seem unnatural, we're offered information that is absolutely unnecessary, or there's focus on things that have no bearing on the plot. Like (yes, you get more examples, get excited xD):
“Are those crisps?”
Crisps.
So wonderfully British.
“Yeah, those are crisps.”
Ngl, this sounds STRAIGHT out of my elementary English textbook ("Can you swim?" Yes, I can." "Is this a straw?" "Yes, this is a straw.").
"I gingerly pick up my breakfast wrap and take a bite off one end, careful not to tip it in a way that has the eggs, peppers, and mushrooms falling out the other side. I hate when that happens. Hate having to put the thing back together when all I’m trying to do is enjoy it. Ha ha."
Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. *starts laughing hysterically*
“I’ve never lived with a female before (...)"
Please...I beg you...stop using "female" as a noun for women! That shit might fly in fantasy (although it still makes my eyes bleed), but don't let it infiltrate contemporary romance too, I cannot take it.
"I follow her back down the hallway and toward the kitchen where all the food is."
I'm just so glad I got info that the kitchen is the place where they keep food, otherwise I'd get lost in this intricate plot 😭
"She’s upstairs and was taking a shower, wanting to jazz herself up a bit to meet the chap, though I can’t figure out why she’d care. Maybe she just wants to be clean, who knows."
Maybe she just wants to be clean 😭 No, but please, write me an essay on why she's taking a shower right now, it's FASCINATING STUFF.
🙄 Stereotypical andlow-key high-key sexist
"American women, I mean—British women are easier to figure out. The ones I grew up around were always well trained and poised, their only intention to snag a titled husband—or one from a good family—and have families. Impress their friends. Live a leisurely life with nannies, vacations, and the like.
American girls…want careers and to be the boss and be independent."
I'll just leave it here, lord give me strength.
"I can’t very well tell her that right now I’m thinking about her roommate. I can’t tell her I’m thinking that later, when the night is over, I’m going to ask to walk her home due to the likely event that I will bump into Eliza like I did last week.
I can’t tell her any of this because I know how women are. She would get jealous and want to scratch my eyes out."
You know how women are! SO UNREASONABLE! Getting hurt and angry over the idea of being used and deceived as means of getting into pants of another woman. The gal!
There were also other things, like "not like other girls girl" trope, the stereotypical bitchy female character out to get my man etc. It was actually really confusing at times, because it seemed like the author couldn't decided on characterization when it came to Kaylee (the "bitchy" roommate).
She talked as if she was 12, not 21 (which was ultra cringe), she started off cute and sweet, Eliza described her as smart and driven and not "stereotypical cheerleader" (which is ironic given that in the end, author ended up playing into every single stereotype), yet she couldn't grasp the simple concept of baron not being royalty (among other things), then she went nuclear when Jack didn't show enough interest in her...it was all a mess, really.
🙄 Not enough development
Like I said, this could've been a cute angst-free love story, but in the end, there's just wasn't enough of substance, to be honest. Yes, Eliza and Jack had nice chemistry, and the slow-burn was nice I guess (though I was too busy eye-rolling to appreciate it), the main sex scene was pretty freaking hot...But in the end, there was just not enough focus on them as a couple, and once they get together, that's pretty much it, the end of the book, we don't get to see them interacting as a couple nearly enough.
Not to mention, there are two epilogues, and both of them are used as means of setting up the next book. Why.
TL;DR: Methinks it's time to have a nice long break from Sara Ney's books. This was just not well-written at all, and that's a huge understatement. I really felt like reading this was hard work, not entertainment.
Reading this was an equivalent of watching the paint dry and eating gravel at the same time. This book suffered from the very same problems that "Jock Royal" did, except it was somehow even worse.
To be fair, there were some things I liked (or rather, could've liked), so let's start with those:
✅ Jack was not the typical jock alpha character
This was refreshing - to an extent, because then he'd say something that made me roll my eyes so hard, but still...He was awkward at times, almost shy, and not that good at sports. He wasn't arrogant or cocky, and wasn't sleeping around. If most of his personality didn't drown in the ever ongoing "culture shock" gig, I would've been able to appreciate it way more.
✅ The romance...could've been cute?
Again, this is an aspect of the story that, in my opinion, got absolutely overshadowed by the bad writing and over-the-top language barrier thing, but overall Eliza and Jack made a cute couple, and this could've been an adorable, low-on-angst read similar to "Jock Row", which I loved.
Now...onto everything else - with quotes, because if I had to go through it, I'm not sparing y'all 😈
🙄 Language barrier between English and...English
Similarly (VERY similarly, almost copy-pastey) to the previous installment in this series, the hero is British - from a posh family, his father is a baron, and the heroine is American. They are both the same age (20-21). And yet the dude sounds as if he's straight out of Jane Austen novel. Actually, no, that's a dig miss Austen does not deserve - but you get my drift.
Again, same as with "Jock Royal", I can understand that there are SOME words and expressions that are different in British English and American English. But FOR FUCK'S SAKE, this does not amount to a language barrier! Unless all the characters in this book are so dumb that they cannot guess the meaning behind the word from, I don't know, context 🙃 I mean, I guess they are dumb, because the author made them all sound dumb as hell indeed.
“No.” He manages to swallow. “I learned my manners from nannies and…” Jack pauses, taking another bite. Chews. Swallows. “At boarding school. Not really Mum.”
Mum.
I’d forgotten they call their mothers Mum in Britain, and I love the way it sounds. So romantic and different."
"Mum" vs. "Mom"...a TOTALLY DIFFERENT word. It's not like it's pronounced almost the same. And "MUM" sounds...so romantic and different, pleaseee I want to cry 😭😭😭
“Wait,” the one named Paige says. “Are you the royal British guy?”
“Am I the what?”
I know what she means—I just want to hear her say it. The fumbling never gets old.
“Shoot, what’s it called? Blue bloods?” She tilts her head to concentrate. “Darn it, what do they call that? Aris…the aristocksy?”
“Aristocracy?”
“That’s it!” She squeals with a giggle and claps. “Are you an earl or something?”
This gem is not from the heroine, but still...aristocracy, that's a difficult word, isn't it 😭
“Are you blokes only calling this meeting coz you’re getting pissed?”
Kaylee leans in. “Are they mad? They don’t seem mad.”
“Pissed,” I say, explaining my English. “Sloshed. Drunk.”
She nods. “Oooh! That makes more sense.”
“I’m a Dryden-Jones. We do not quit.”
Uh. “What’s a Dryden-Jones?” Is that the name of a team?
Jack stares at me as if I’ve grown two heads. “Dryden-Jones is my surname.”
“Your surname?”
He glances up when the server comes over with my omelet, picking up his fork, ready to attack.
Oh no he is not about to eat my other entrée…
No.
“Surname,” he repeats. “You know—my last name?”
I feel my face flushing. “Gosh, I’m sorry. The hyphen threw me off. I don’t think I’ve met anyone with a name like that.” I’m a dumbass and need to stop talking."
Surname vs. last name - also incredibly difficult to get. But worry not, she's not a total dumbass, because the "hyphen threw her of" (can you HEAR the hyphen, btw? just a thought).
“You hunt in the park?”
Her eyes are as wide as saucers, and I give my head a shake. I’d forgotten that the word park means something entirely different in America than it does in England.
“Many times in England,” I explain, “a park is a large piece of land on an estate where there are fowl and stag. When I was growing up, my father used to also hunt fox for sport, but not so much anymore. Not since the animal rights activists latched onto that.” I chuckle. “Been a really long time, come to think of it—perhaps I was a young lad the last time he did.”
PARK MEANS SOMETHING ENTIRELY DIFFERENT IN AMERICA THAN IT DOES IN ENGLAND, HOLD ME
Also, the word Jack actually means would be "parkland" as far as I know, which is park/lands surrounding the estate. But sure, let's make it into "Me British from Mars, you American from Venus" kind of thing, because that's not painful to read at all.
ALSO Jack chuckling at those "animal activists" stopping his dad from killing animals for sport, oh no, what an oppressed life he's had 🙃
"This makes her laugh. “I’m sorry I’m laughing, you poor thing.”
Poor thing.
No one has ever called me that, not a day in my life. Poor thing? Hardly. It must be an American thing to call someone that, and I’m sure she doesn’t mean it literally—I’m far from poor."
I confirmed this with my British friend, and guess what? They do, actually, know the expression "you poor thing", it's not "an American thing" 😭 (if I'm overusing crying emoji, it's only because there's truly no other way to express my feelings about this, it's either that or sarcasm)
I should also mention that above examples are only from first 1/3 of the book, but THERE'S MORE.
"Jack eyes me from across the table, his leg still pressed against mine below it.
“Are you playing footsie with me?” I dare to ask.
“What’s footsie?”
Oh god. Do I have to explain? “It’s…footsie is…it’s…maybe you should just google it.”
I don’t think he actually will, but he does, reading out loud from his phone. “The dictionary says playing footsie is to secretly touch another person’s foot with one’s own foot as a way of showing sexual attraction.” He glances over at me before continuing. “Oh, brilliant. They’ve provided an example. ‘He was playing footsie with her under the dining room table.’” Jack sets his cell back down on the table. “Sounds accurate.”
“I know, but…girl code.”
“What’s girl code?” My brows furrow, and I’m not even trying.
“Are you joking me right now? Do you not know what it is?”
“No I’m not joking you—I’m from London.” Some shite just does not translate and we didn’t exactly discuss Girl Code at the all-lads boarding schools I went to.
“It’s like bro code, but for females.”
I’m still not following the lingo."
"Footsie" and "girl/bro code" did me in, I have no strength to comment on that.
Me: You have a bed in the spare room?
Jack: Yes. And a desk, and a chair. Bathroom en suite.
Me: En suite? What does that mean?
Jack: It means your bedroom has its own attached bathroom. You won’t have to go out into the hall.
I...guess the phrase might not be AS POPULAR in the US but...I mean, come on, this is ridiculous 😭
"Are you avoiding me now?” His low timbre is close to my ear. “Don’t be cross.”
Don’t be cross.
So poetic."
He's a regular Lord Byron, alright 😭
"I know Eliza likes me as much as I like her, and there’s no doubt in my mind that at some point we would have begun a courtship—dating as they say here in the States."
Newsflash, they don't have DATING in England, there's only courtship, curtsying and receiving admirers in your drawing room during tea time 🙃
I know this was a lot of examples but I just wanted to show the magnitude of exaggeration when it came to author utilizing this "cultural shock" thing. Maybe I missed the joke, but it wasn't funny - it was so utterly ridiculous, it just became tiring and eye-roll inducing.
🙄 Clumsy writing
It's not only that the writing was bad, it was just so...stale? Clunky and clumsy, in that, some dialogues seem unnatural, we're offered information that is absolutely unnecessary, or there's focus on things that have no bearing on the plot. Like (yes, you get more examples, get excited xD):
“Are those crisps?”
Crisps.
So wonderfully British.
“Yeah, those are crisps.”
Ngl, this sounds STRAIGHT out of my elementary English textbook ("Can you swim?" Yes, I can." "Is this a straw?" "Yes, this is a straw.").
"I gingerly pick up my breakfast wrap and take a bite off one end, careful not to tip it in a way that has the eggs, peppers, and mushrooms falling out the other side. I hate when that happens. Hate having to put the thing back together when all I’m trying to do is enjoy it. Ha ha."
Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. *starts laughing hysterically*
“I’ve never lived with a female before (...)"
Please...I beg you...stop using "female" as a noun for women! That shit might fly in fantasy (although it still makes my eyes bleed), but don't let it infiltrate contemporary romance too, I cannot take it.
"I follow her back down the hallway and toward the kitchen where all the food is."
I'm just so glad I got info that the kitchen is the place where they keep food, otherwise I'd get lost in this intricate plot 😭
"She’s upstairs and was taking a shower, wanting to jazz herself up a bit to meet the chap, though I can’t figure out why she’d care. Maybe she just wants to be clean, who knows."
Maybe she just wants to be clean 😭 No, but please, write me an essay on why she's taking a shower right now, it's FASCINATING STUFF.
🙄 Stereotypical and
"American women, I mean—British women are easier to figure out. The ones I grew up around were always well trained and poised, their only intention to snag a titled husband—or one from a good family—and have families. Impress their friends. Live a leisurely life with nannies, vacations, and the like.
American girls…want careers and to be the boss and be independent."
I'll just leave it here, lord give me strength.
"I can’t very well tell her that right now I’m thinking about her roommate. I can’t tell her I’m thinking that later, when the night is over, I’m going to ask to walk her home due to the likely event that I will bump into Eliza like I did last week.
I can’t tell her any of this because I know how women are. She would get jealous and want to scratch my eyes out."
You know how women are! SO UNREASONABLE! Getting hurt and angry over the idea of being used and deceived as means of getting into pants of another woman. The gal!
There were also other things, like "not like other girls girl" trope, the stereotypical bitchy female character out to get my man etc. It was actually really confusing at times, because it seemed like the author couldn't decided on characterization when it came to Kaylee (the "bitchy" roommate).
She talked as if she was 12, not 21 (which was ultra cringe), she started off cute and sweet, Eliza described her as smart and driven and not "stereotypical cheerleader" (which is ironic given that in the end, author ended up playing into every single stereotype), yet she couldn't grasp the simple concept of baron not being royalty (among other things), then she went nuclear when Jack didn't show enough interest in her...it was all a mess, really.
🙄 Not enough development
Like I said, this could've been a cute angst-free love story, but in the end, there's just wasn't enough of substance, to be honest. Yes, Eliza and Jack had nice chemistry, and the slow-burn was nice I guess (though I was too busy eye-rolling to appreciate it), the main sex scene was pretty freaking hot...But in the end, there was just not enough focus on them as a couple, and once they get together, that's pretty much it, the end of the book, we don't get to see them interacting as a couple nearly enough.
Not to mention, there are two epilogues, and both of them are used as means of setting up the next book. Why.
TL;DR: Methinks it's time to have a nice long break from Sara Ney's books. This was just not well-written at all, and that's a huge understatement. I really felt like reading this was hard work, not entertainment.
June 26, 2022
Jock Reing es una historia bastante prescindible en mi opinion, sinceramente, leo este tipo de novela para distraerme, no porque espere que van a enamorarme ni nada parecido, en este caso en concreto empiezo a pensar que es hora de que la autora la finalice, ya con este tomo quedo claro que la saga no da para mas.
Como los anteriores es muy superficial, no ahonda en los detalles que deberia, ademas, al principio le cuesta arrancar y luego hay un desenlace precipitado y frio, cosa que siempre me descoloca, es un habito extraño en estas historias.
No puedo negar que se lee facilmente, no obstante, no me aporto nada ( ni al genero, la verdad ). La historia de amor es plana y sosa, la pareja principal es practicamente igual a otras que ya ha creado Sara Ney, y por ultimo, la trama es basica de mas, por lo que se queda con un aprobado justo.
2.5 Estrellas!
January 24, 2022
This story was really disappointing.
First of all it was quite similar to Jock Royal which made no sense. Why tell the same story twice?
Second, this thing about Jack and rugby was stupid, and added nothing to the whole "Jock" theme this series had going on, or to Jack's character in particular.
Also, I hopped the "comic - graphic novel designing" aspect of both the MC's hobby would evolve into something significant in the story. Instead it was only used as common groud for them to connect originally and then all of Eliza's passion evaporated. Instead, she discarded all her inhibitions first chance she got, and I really hate it when this happens. (If you're going to succumb so easily at least don't declare so vehemently the opposite in the previous page).
And last, I was really annoyed with how the author used one-dimensionally Eliza's roommate to promote the plot.
So, this series is progressively diclining from the fun I used to have with SN's books, especially the Douchebag"" series. Does it has anything to do with how fast she produces them these days or has she lost her inspiration? Only she can answer that but it saddens me to rate her books so low...
First of all it was quite similar to Jock Royal which made no sense. Why tell the same story twice?
Second, this thing about Jack and rugby was stupid, and added nothing to the whole "Jock" theme this series had going on, or to Jack's character in particular.
Also, I hopped the "comic - graphic novel designing" aspect of both the MC's hobby would evolve into something significant in the story. Instead it was only used as common groud for them to connect originally and then all of Eliza's passion evaporated. Instead, she discarded all her inhibitions first chance she got, and I really hate it when this happens. (If you're going to succumb so easily at least don't declare so vehemently the opposite in the previous page).
And last, I was really annoyed with how the author used one-dimensionally Eliza's roommate to promote the plot.
So, this series is progressively diclining from the fun I used to have with SN's books, especially the Douchebag"" series. Does it has anything to do with how fast she produces them these days or has she lost her inspiration? Only she can answer that but it saddens me to rate her books so low...
January 4, 2022
THREE POINT FIVE STARS
● college sports romance
● transfer student
● Eliza (American) & Jack (British)
● Jack is not a jock (even though he pretends to be)
● girl code
● Eliza’s roommate likes Jack
● both like comics
● living in his brother’s shadow (Ashley -’Jock Royal’)
● dual pov
The 'girl code': I saw him first so he's mine didn't sit right for me. That mentality doesn't take into play the guy's feelings. What if he's not interested in the girl who has called dibs on him? Does that mean he can't pursue someone else? Eliza's roommate claiming him as her guy even though they weren't dating and he was just being a nice guy seemed unfair to Jack.
Eliza's roommate was whole another thing. One moment it seems like Eliza likes her and the next we are seeing the roommate as a shallow person who is more concerned about her status than other people's feelings. That part was a hot mess.
Part of this book was like reading a repeat of book 4 with Jack's brother, Ashley but this time we're seeing how Jack handles the situation as a non-jock.
For the ending, there are 2-epilogues that set up the next book in the series.
● college sports romance
● transfer student
● Eliza (American) & Jack (British)
● Jack is not a jock (even though he pretends to be)
● girl code
● Eliza’s roommate likes Jack
● both like comics
● living in his brother’s shadow (Ashley -’Jock Royal’)
● dual pov
The 'girl code': I saw him first so he's mine didn't sit right for me. That mentality doesn't take into play the guy's feelings. What if he's not interested in the girl who has called dibs on him? Does that mean he can't pursue someone else? Eliza's roommate claiming him as her guy even though they weren't dating and he was just being a nice guy seemed unfair to Jack.
Eliza's roommate was whole another thing. One moment it seems like Eliza likes her and the next we are seeing the roommate as a shallow person who is more concerned about her status than other people's feelings. That part was a hot mess.
Part of this book was like reading a repeat of book 4 with Jack's brother, Ashley but this time we're seeing how Jack handles the situation as a non-jock.
For the ending, there are 2-epilogues that set up the next book in the series.
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Arielle DeLisle & James Evans
Length: 9H 17M
Read
October 9, 2021DNF. What happened to Sara Ney? Her work is regressing. She use to have witty banter, meet-cutes and steamy plots. Now it’s like she is regurgitating the same ole scenario and characters, just with different names. I wish she’d churn out one book a year of excellent quality versus 10 a year of sub-par mediocrity. I don’t think I’m going to read anything further from this author and unfollow on iG.
May 15, 2022
Jack. Te sales de lo típico 😍🤯🤣 Te ameee♥️
September 30, 2021
4.5 stars!
A fun, sweet, and laugh-out-loud funny friends-to-lovers romance, this book is all kinds of cute, and I loved it!
This is the fifth book in the Jock Hard series, but like the others, it’s a complete standalone. This one actually does have some character crossover, but it’s very minor, and there’s enough background given that you won’t be missing out on anything if you dive right in.
Jack Dryden-Jones is the younger brother of Ashley (hero of Book #4, Jock Royal). He is following in his brother’s footsteps, and has travelled from the UK to the US to attend college – living in his brother’s old house, and has even joined his brother’s beloved Rugby team. The problem with that is, Jack has no interest in the game, and no idea how to play it. He’s more of a comic book-loving, sweet and funny movie nerd. But before he even steps onto the field, he is accepted by the team as one of their own, and he embraces college life, parties included.
It’s after walking a cheerleader home after a party (because he’s a gentleman like that) that he meets her roommate, Eliza, and is instantly intrigued. He joins her on the couch watching a movie, making himself right at home, and when they keep running in to each other, the two develop a fast friendship that is funny, easy and entertaining, with fantastically fun banter. But their attraction to each other makes things a little awkward given that Eliza’s roommate seems smitten with Jack, even though he has no interest – and has shown no interest – in her. But still, there’s girl-code to consider, so they do their best to keep things friendly… until they don’t.
I love these two together! They are sweet and quirky, and so freaking funny. From Jack’s efforts on the rugby team, their weirdly random conversations and text messages and Jack stealing every morsel of food that he can find, they are open and honest, and they don’t hide anything from each other. There is a connection there from the beginning, but their feelings for each other build slowly, and I loved watching them fall for each other so effortlessly.
I loved these characters. They’re sweet, funny and intelligent, neither of them play games, Eliza is a sweetheart, and Jack is just a genuinely good guy – he’s got this vulnerability about him that is absolutely irresistible, and I just adored him. They both have a bit of geek about them, which I loved, and they’re just so much fun together. I loved watching them find their way to each other and accept each other so openly, and though the ending was a bit rushed, the HEA made me smile.
The epilogue provides some nice closure and serves as an introduction to the next book in the series, which will be the last, and it looks really good! I can’t wait.
4.5 stars!
An Advanced Reader Copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A fun, sweet, and laugh-out-loud funny friends-to-lovers romance, this book is all kinds of cute, and I loved it!
This is the fifth book in the Jock Hard series, but like the others, it’s a complete standalone. This one actually does have some character crossover, but it’s very minor, and there’s enough background given that you won’t be missing out on anything if you dive right in.
Jack Dryden-Jones is the younger brother of Ashley (hero of Book #4, Jock Royal). He is following in his brother’s footsteps, and has travelled from the UK to the US to attend college – living in his brother’s old house, and has even joined his brother’s beloved Rugby team. The problem with that is, Jack has no interest in the game, and no idea how to play it. He’s more of a comic book-loving, sweet and funny movie nerd. But before he even steps onto the field, he is accepted by the team as one of their own, and he embraces college life, parties included.
It’s after walking a cheerleader home after a party (because he’s a gentleman like that) that he meets her roommate, Eliza, and is instantly intrigued. He joins her on the couch watching a movie, making himself right at home, and when they keep running in to each other, the two develop a fast friendship that is funny, easy and entertaining, with fantastically fun banter. But their attraction to each other makes things a little awkward given that Eliza’s roommate seems smitten with Jack, even though he has no interest – and has shown no interest – in her. But still, there’s girl-code to consider, so they do their best to keep things friendly… until they don’t.
“I thought you were giving me a massage.”
“I am.”
“You’re shite at it, love—there is zero benefit to the rubdown you’re giving me.”
“Sorry. I’m distracted.”
Distracted?
Interesting…
That I like.
I love these two together! They are sweet and quirky, and so freaking funny. From Jack’s efforts on the rugby team, their weirdly random conversations and text messages and Jack stealing every morsel of food that he can find, they are open and honest, and they don’t hide anything from each other. There is a connection there from the beginning, but their feelings for each other build slowly, and I loved watching them fall for each other so effortlessly.
“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you, and I’m not sure what that means. Actually I know exactly what that means.”
I loved these characters. They’re sweet, funny and intelligent, neither of them play games, Eliza is a sweetheart, and Jack is just a genuinely good guy – he’s got this vulnerability about him that is absolutely irresistible, and I just adored him. They both have a bit of geek about them, which I loved, and they’re just so much fun together. I loved watching them find their way to each other and accept each other so openly, and though the ending was a bit rushed, the HEA made me smile.
The epilogue provides some nice closure and serves as an introduction to the next book in the series, which will be the last, and it looks really good! I can’t wait.
4.5 stars!
An Advanced Reader Copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2021
disappointing and very flat characters :( i still love sara’s books but i guess i can’t enjoy them all.
January 1, 2022
The last quarter of this year was a big ball of ahhhhhh. Which made reading hard as my brain just couldn't focus and writing reviews was impossible. However with that said I did read a few books and if I don't add them here I'll end up adding them to my TBR a dozen or two times because of my goldfish memory.
October 9, 2021
DNF @ 33%. I cannot believe that I'm DNFing a Sara Ney book. This book just felt totally flat to me in every way, characters, writing and story line. I feel the writing has been on a steady decline since the Douchebag series (one of my all time favorites and on my re-read list). I'm at a loss for words and seemingly so is the author right now. I'm hoping this is just a slump because I really love her early work. Very sad.
September 29, 2021
I was eager to read about Ashley’s brother Jack who we met in Jock Royal. And boy did Jack have some hilarious times in this! I mean, first the breakfast where he kept eating and eating and eating, stealing Eliza’s food? And it never said he did, but I sure hope he picked up that tab! His not being good at rugby, only sports like cricket and polo, omg, freaking hilarious. Especially when he actually got out on the rugby field and ran the wrong way.
This book ended with me smiling and loving the relationship between these two. There wasn’t really any huge drama, it was really just an overall sweet, fun, real romance. So much wonderful banter between Jack and Eliza. Honestly the whole girl code thing was not something that was really a big deal once we found out just what Eliza’s roommate Kaylee was really like. There was no sympathy whatsoever for her not too many interactions between her and Jack into the story.
So many funny things that had me laughing. A conversation about toothbrushes, part of the whole debacle where he was eating all of her food at the beginning. Jack is from England, so when he said “jack-arse”, that was amusing and fun to say out loud. And oh my gosh, the “just the tip” game, funny, but really sooooooooo hot!!!! Another one to get someone squirming in their seat as they read!
Loved this one and can’t wait for the next one. Especially with who I think the ending of this one clued us into who it will star.
This book ended with me smiling and loving the relationship between these two. There wasn’t really any huge drama, it was really just an overall sweet, fun, real romance. So much wonderful banter between Jack and Eliza. Honestly the whole girl code thing was not something that was really a big deal once we found out just what Eliza’s roommate Kaylee was really like. There was no sympathy whatsoever for her not too many interactions between her and Jack into the story.
So many funny things that had me laughing. A conversation about toothbrushes, part of the whole debacle where he was eating all of her food at the beginning. Jack is from England, so when he said “jack-arse”, that was amusing and fun to say out loud. And oh my gosh, the “just the tip” game, funny, but really sooooooooo hot!!!! Another one to get someone squirming in their seat as they read!
Loved this one and can’t wait for the next one. Especially with who I think the ending of this one clued us into who it will star.
September 28, 2021
Jack Dryden-Jones, aka the sweetest thing ever, is new in town. He is following in the footsteps of his older brother Ashley and playing rugby, even if he is rubbish. When he walks a girl back to her house just to get out of a team meeting, things get interesting. You see, he isn't interested in the girl he took home, but he's instantly intrigued with the girl sitting on the couch watching cartoons.
When he runs into her while trying to find a scone to remind him of home, he realizes that she may be more than he bargained for. He's only been with one girl, and he just broke up with her before coming to the states. He's not sure what he's doing, but he knows the party hook ups aren't for him. He's looking for something bigger and more meaningful than that. Not that he hasn't tried, but nothing tempts him except Eliza.
Eliza shouldn't be drawn to Jack, it's girl code, you can't steal your roommate's date. Are they even really dating though? Jack spends time with Eliza and ignores her roommate's texts. He doesn't seem interested at all, but he's still off limits, right? Lines start to blur, and someone's going to get hurt.
I LOVE a good guy, and Jack delivered, in spades. I wanted to hug him and have tea and scones with him. I did wish that he would have just told Eliza's roommate that he wasn't interested instead of kinda stringing her along by not dealing with her, but he really just didn't see her as significant I guess. Not when all he could think about was Eliza. These two just .. fit.
When he runs into her while trying to find a scone to remind him of home, he realizes that she may be more than he bargained for. He's only been with one girl, and he just broke up with her before coming to the states. He's not sure what he's doing, but he knows the party hook ups aren't for him. He's looking for something bigger and more meaningful than that. Not that he hasn't tried, but nothing tempts him except Eliza.
Eliza shouldn't be drawn to Jack, it's girl code, you can't steal your roommate's date. Are they even really dating though? Jack spends time with Eliza and ignores her roommate's texts. He doesn't seem interested at all, but he's still off limits, right? Lines start to blur, and someone's going to get hurt.
I LOVE a good guy, and Jack delivered, in spades. I wanted to hug him and have tea and scones with him. I did wish that he would have just told Eliza's roommate that he wasn't interested instead of kinda stringing her along by not dealing with her, but he really just didn't see her as significant I guess. Not when all he could think about was Eliza. These two just .. fit.
October 7, 2021
Not a jock
I really like the fact that Jack is not a jock. He is terrible at rugby, but was on the team because his brother waa on it and was really good. I also really liked Eliza. He is a sweet, nerdy girl and she really cared about other people.
I really like the fact that Jack is not a jock. He is terrible at rugby, but was on the team because his brother waa on it and was really good. I also really liked Eliza. He is a sweet, nerdy girl and she really cared about other people.
November 11, 2021
This might be my favorite from the series.
Jack Dryden-Jones is the best book boyfriend ever.
I LOVE him. I want one. He is so adorably romantic and sweet.
I never imagined him to be so extra adorable from Jock Royal.
Eliza is a somewhat nerdy girl and they are some of my favorites.
And the fact that she loves comic and superheroes is so unexpected from all of the typical college girls.
The drama had me pulling out my hair for a bit because I just wanted to smack some sense into people.
These two had me wrapped around their fingers. I want more. And we get a tease for the next book in the series and I am dyyyying to get my hands on it.
Have I told you how much I am swooning over Jack? <3
Jack Dryden-Jones is the best book boyfriend ever.
I LOVE him. I want one. He is so adorably romantic and sweet.
I never imagined him to be so extra adorable from Jock Royal.
Eliza is a somewhat nerdy girl and they are some of my favorites.
And the fact that she loves comic and superheroes is so unexpected from all of the typical college girls.
The drama had me pulling out my hair for a bit because I just wanted to smack some sense into people.
These two had me wrapped around their fingers. I want more. And we get a tease for the next book in the series and I am dyyyying to get my hands on it.
Have I told you how much I am swooning over Jack? <3
September 30, 2021
Amazon US / Amazon CA / Amazon UK / Amazon AU
Jack's finding that coming to the States to play rugby as his brother did, was not a great idea, that rugby is really not his thing. He's grateful for it for one thing, though, it allowed him to meet Eliza, the girl who gets him, has more in common with him than any of his rugby teammates and fellow college buddies.
Eliza's surprised the guy her roommate brought home doesn't seem to be interested in her roommate, rather seems more interested in herself and the movie she's watching. As the two become friends, Eliza can't help but be drawn to him, but would never go against the girl code, which says no dating your friend's crush/boyfriend/etc. When they become friends, his offer to help her out will either be the best thing to ever happen to both of them, or it will be the worst. Will their friendship survive? Or will it evolve into much more?
Jock Reign is so sweet! Jack is so unlike the average jock in college and contemporary romance, probably because he's not really a jock. He's a charming, adorable guy more interested in comics and the gorgeous roommate of the mean girl who picked him up at a college party. His and Eliza's story is a slow burn friends to lovers romance that's big on heart and has two adorable people who are perfect for each other.
ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
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September 28, 2021
***5 'Scones' Stars***
I loved, or ended up loving, Ash and Georgia from Jock Royal, so finding out that Ash’s baby brother Jack was going to get his HEA? Well, grabby hands happened and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride Jack and Eliza took me on. It was fun, sweet, a little geeky and adorkable with a touch of drama that definitely kept things interesting and me turning the pages until the very end.
Jack and Eliza. Jack honestly surprised me, especially considering how Ash is, but it was a good kind of surprise. He’s a little goofy, a little charming and despite doing things that he doesn’t really want to do, he is a really good man. Eliza was a lot of fun. She’s sweet, sassy and totally comfortable with who she is and what she’s into and doesn’t feel the need to do something just because everyone else is.
Their journey to their HEA was a lot of fun to experience. Their first meeting wasn’t a huge collision or anything, but there was interest and a spark. The second meeting, well that was definitely an interesting one, but it showed just how well these two flowed for me. I loved watching their friendship grow, as well as their attraction to each other as they find that they have similar interests. There is a bit of a roadblock to them moving beyond being friends, but once that is taken out of the equation, it doesn’t take long for them to figure out that they both want more.
I will admit that their “ending” felt a bit rushed BUT, I’m not mad about it because I do like that things didn’t get dragged out unnecessarily.
As I said, this was a fun read. There isn’t a lot of angst or OTT crazy drama, there is drama, but nothing too nuts. As for the supporting cast of characters. I loved seeing how much Jack loves his brother and the rugby boys were a lot of fun. Eliza’s friends...I definitely liked one more than the other (we’ll just leave it at that) and as for that epilogue...I’m here for it. Definitely here for it.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
I loved, or ended up loving, Ash and Georgia from Jock Royal, so finding out that Ash’s baby brother Jack was going to get his HEA? Well, grabby hands happened and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride Jack and Eliza took me on. It was fun, sweet, a little geeky and adorkable with a touch of drama that definitely kept things interesting and me turning the pages until the very end.
Jack and Eliza. Jack honestly surprised me, especially considering how Ash is, but it was a good kind of surprise. He’s a little goofy, a little charming and despite doing things that he doesn’t really want to do, he is a really good man. Eliza was a lot of fun. She’s sweet, sassy and totally comfortable with who she is and what she’s into and doesn’t feel the need to do something just because everyone else is.
Their journey to their HEA was a lot of fun to experience. Their first meeting wasn’t a huge collision or anything, but there was interest and a spark. The second meeting, well that was definitely an interesting one, but it showed just how well these two flowed for me. I loved watching their friendship grow, as well as their attraction to each other as they find that they have similar interests. There is a bit of a roadblock to them moving beyond being friends, but once that is taken out of the equation, it doesn’t take long for them to figure out that they both want more.
I will admit that their “ending” felt a bit rushed BUT, I’m not mad about it because I do like that things didn’t get dragged out unnecessarily.
As I said, this was a fun read. There isn’t a lot of angst or OTT crazy drama, there is drama, but nothing too nuts. As for the supporting cast of characters. I loved seeing how much Jack loves his brother and the rugby boys were a lot of fun. Eliza’s friends...I definitely liked one more than the other (we’ll just leave it at that) and as for that epilogue...I’m here for it. Definitely here for it.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
October 5, 2021
Sara Ney’s newest hero, Jack Dryden-Jones, is my kind of male lead. He’s British, enough said, and with his wit, gentlemanly behavior, and nerdiness, he’s everything any college girl would be lucky to call hers, even when the girl code comes into play and some lines threaten to be crossed on numerous occasions.
It’s clear, early on, how perfect Eliza is for Jack and vice versa. Her quirks match his, their chemistry is there from the start, so the roadblocks they have to work around are quite frustrating but it also speaks to the kind of person Eliza is for her unwillingness to break the code, even when she knows what she wants and just how good it would be.
Sara Ney’s trademark banter and humor resonate from the pages of Jack and Eliza’s story. One would think that with the complex circumstances surrounding them, there would be a ton of over-the-top drama, but there’s not because Ney is crafty with how she plays that part of the story line out and while parts of it frustrated me because a conversation could have fixed most of it, I understood why it didn’t happen and why it unfolded the way it did.
I always enjoy Sara Ney’s stories and Jock Reign was no exception.
4 Poison Apples
It’s clear, early on, how perfect Eliza is for Jack and vice versa. Her quirks match his, their chemistry is there from the start, so the roadblocks they have to work around are quite frustrating but it also speaks to the kind of person Eliza is for her unwillingness to break the code, even when she knows what she wants and just how good it would be.
Sara Ney’s trademark banter and humor resonate from the pages of Jack and Eliza’s story. One would think that with the complex circumstances surrounding them, there would be a ton of over-the-top drama, but there’s not because Ney is crafty with how she plays that part of the story line out and while parts of it frustrated me because a conversation could have fixed most of it, I understood why it didn’t happen and why it unfolded the way it did.
I always enjoy Sara Ney’s stories and Jock Reign was no exception.
4 Poison Apples
September 28, 2021
Jock Reign is Ney's 5th book in Jock Hard series. I absolutely adore this series and Ney's writing. I can see her quirky side come through and find it refreshing it.
The blurb truly gives you all to need to know about this book. But what makes it endearing, is all the interactions between Jack and Eliza. These two were made perfect for one another. I love their banter and how one was always able to one-up the other.
Jock Reign is a nice slow-burn romance, as it should be for college kids. There isn't any huge spark between but rather a gradual progression towards things. Jack was quite the surprise and I loved his character so much. Same with Eliza – I wish I had more confidence like her when I was in college. I could have seen myself being really good friends with her.
I digress. Jock Reign is another great college romance story that is sure to make readers laugh, smile and enjoy the sweet romance.
The blurb truly gives you all to need to know about this book. But what makes it endearing, is all the interactions between Jack and Eliza. These two were made perfect for one another. I love their banter and how one was always able to one-up the other.
Jock Reign is a nice slow-burn romance, as it should be for college kids. There isn't any huge spark between but rather a gradual progression towards things. Jack was quite the surprise and I loved his character so much. Same with Eliza – I wish I had more confidence like her when I was in college. I could have seen myself being really good friends with her.
I digress. Jock Reign is another great college romance story that is sure to make readers laugh, smile and enjoy the sweet romance.
November 1, 2021
4.5 stars
Jack and Eliza's story was so fun and the perfect read if you just want some lighthearted escapism!
It was definitely a slow burn, and early on there were a few too many scenes with other characters that I didn't care about a ton, but once it got going I really adored their friends to lovers romance.
Sara Ney really knows how to write a long, drawn out sex scene that builds the tension so well, and it made up for the book being pretty slow in the development of the romance.
I love a good guy hero, and that's exactly what Jack was. He was so freaking sweet, thoughtful and considerate. UGH I just loved him so much! He and Eliza were adorable together with how they bonded over their shared love of comic books and all things nerdy.
I just wanted a little more from the ending, because we don't really get an "I love you" (at least not admitted to each other), and, as is pretty typical with Sara Ney's books, the epilogue is only set a few months down the line. So this is definitely a HFN ending rather than a HEA.
Side note: I had pretty major complaints with the previous book Jock Royal about the TERRIBLE portrayal of a British character. Happy to report this one was much better, though not perfect. FYI, we use feet and inches for height and I grew pretty tired of the repeated instances of Jack not recognising super common "American" words/phrases that we use all the time, e.g. "fuck's sake," "poor thing," "buddy" - all phrases we use constantly in the UK!
Jack and Eliza's story was so fun and the perfect read if you just want some lighthearted escapism!
It was definitely a slow burn, and early on there were a few too many scenes with other characters that I didn't care about a ton, but once it got going I really adored their friends to lovers romance.
Sara Ney really knows how to write a long, drawn out sex scene that builds the tension so well, and it made up for the book being pretty slow in the development of the romance.
I love a good guy hero, and that's exactly what Jack was. He was so freaking sweet, thoughtful and considerate. UGH I just loved him so much! He and Eliza were adorable together with how they bonded over their shared love of comic books and all things nerdy.
I just wanted a little more from the ending, because we don't really get an "I love you" (at least not admitted to each other), and, as is pretty typical with Sara Ney's books, the epilogue is only set a few months down the line. So this is definitely a HFN ending rather than a HEA.
Side note: I had pretty major complaints with the previous book Jock Royal about the TERRIBLE portrayal of a British character. Happy to report this one was much better, though not perfect. FYI, we use feet and inches for height and I grew pretty tired of the repeated instances of Jack not recognising super common "American" words/phrases that we use all the time, e.g. "fuck's sake," "poor thing," "buddy" - all phrases we use constantly in the UK!
September 27, 2021
It's a slow build but it packs a punch.
Jack is the brother of our hotshot brit Ashley from Jock Royal. Jack is most definitely not his brother. In fact they could not be any more opposite if they tried. Did I love Jack maybe even harder than his brother... absolutely. He was a doll!. Charismatic, funny and genuine. He blew me away with his brutal honestly on his lack of skills at rugby. I adored the patience he had when wooing his woman. Honestly he was truly a breath of fresh air and so different to the stereotypical Jock.
Sweet salty Eliza is my kind of chick. A little awkward, a whole lot of sass and just the right amount of sweet. I loved that she's a bit of a introvert with absolutely no interest in the jocks or trying to make a good impression with any guys. I adored her loyalty, even to those who didn't deserve it. She's true to herself. I feel like her character is so relatable and very easy to love. I do love me a strong woman.
Their journey is uniquely different to most because whilst they have an attraction to eachother, their romance definitely is a real slow burn. But the best thing about the slow burn is really getting to watch these characters get to know eachother on a different level. They had natural chemistry and a comfort thats normally savourd for best friends and long time lovers. They had banter in spades and bickered like a married couple. But it also felt new and exciting at the same time.
It was fun and felt more like a friends to lovers even though they weren't friends for long.
Sara just has a way with story telling that allows the reader to feel like they are truly are apart of this journey with the characters and I felt that. I was invested in their growth. I rooted for them to give into their desires and man did I laugh so hard so often at their antics. It was sweet and relatable in all the best ways and I found myself totally immersed in them and their crazy ride. I also loved getting to hear from our beloved Ashley too. Now I'm very curious about our awkward soul Rome and Lilly. I feel like that one will be another shining star in this fabulous series.
Jack is the brother of our hotshot brit Ashley from Jock Royal. Jack is most definitely not his brother. In fact they could not be any more opposite if they tried. Did I love Jack maybe even harder than his brother... absolutely. He was a doll!. Charismatic, funny and genuine. He blew me away with his brutal honestly on his lack of skills at rugby. I adored the patience he had when wooing his woman. Honestly he was truly a breath of fresh air and so different to the stereotypical Jock.
Sweet salty Eliza is my kind of chick. A little awkward, a whole lot of sass and just the right amount of sweet. I loved that she's a bit of a introvert with absolutely no interest in the jocks or trying to make a good impression with any guys. I adored her loyalty, even to those who didn't deserve it. She's true to herself. I feel like her character is so relatable and very easy to love. I do love me a strong woman.
Their journey is uniquely different to most because whilst they have an attraction to eachother, their romance definitely is a real slow burn. But the best thing about the slow burn is really getting to watch these characters get to know eachother on a different level. They had natural chemistry and a comfort thats normally savourd for best friends and long time lovers. They had banter in spades and bickered like a married couple. But it also felt new and exciting at the same time.
It was fun and felt more like a friends to lovers even though they weren't friends for long.
Sara just has a way with story telling that allows the reader to feel like they are truly are apart of this journey with the characters and I felt that. I was invested in their growth. I rooted for them to give into their desires and man did I laugh so hard so often at their antics. It was sweet and relatable in all the best ways and I found myself totally immersed in them and their crazy ride. I also loved getting to hear from our beloved Ashley too. Now I'm very curious about our awkward soul Rome and Lilly. I feel like that one will be another shining star in this fabulous series.
September 29, 2021
4.50 Stars
I love love stories with geeky type of guys. Its always ends up being such sweet romances and I loved Jack. He was funny, sweet and so goofy I had lol moments reading his story.
Jack and Eliza were so perfect for each other that you will not regret reading this story. Their banter was freaking hilarious at time and just what you would expect from this author’s dialogue.
Jack was so not the athletic type. But he wanted to fit in and also he had his brother’s legacy to uphold right… So he goes to a party to fit in with is teammates hoping to meet a girl. But when he offers to take her home, to get out of the team meeting (lol) he meets her roommate Eliza. And immediately he is infatuated with her
Eliza is an introvert and enjoyes being home and enjoys drawing and watching movies So when her room mate comes home with her latest crush she cant help being intrigued with him. As he is so not your typical jock. But she cant be attracted to him because ‘girl code’ right… But when her room mate kicks her out she has no place to go and then Jack offers her a spare room at his place. And never mind what rules are put in place lines are crossed…
You will definitely not be sorry reading this story. It was funny, sweet and totally charming. You will fall in love with Jack from the beginning. Him trying to fit in with playing rugby was hilarious. Eliza I loved her and the two of them together was amazingly perfect. Definitely a perfect Rom Com if you in the mood for a good laugh 😊
I love love stories with geeky type of guys. Its always ends up being such sweet romances and I loved Jack. He was funny, sweet and so goofy I had lol moments reading his story.
Jack and Eliza were so perfect for each other that you will not regret reading this story. Their banter was freaking hilarious at time and just what you would expect from this author’s dialogue.
Jack was so not the athletic type. But he wanted to fit in and also he had his brother’s legacy to uphold right… So he goes to a party to fit in with is teammates hoping to meet a girl. But when he offers to take her home, to get out of the team meeting (lol) he meets her roommate Eliza. And immediately he is infatuated with her
Eliza is an introvert and enjoyes being home and enjoys drawing and watching movies So when her room mate comes home with her latest crush she cant help being intrigued with him. As he is so not your typical jock. But she cant be attracted to him because ‘girl code’ right… But when her room mate kicks her out she has no place to go and then Jack offers her a spare room at his place. And never mind what rules are put in place lines are crossed…
You will definitely not be sorry reading this story. It was funny, sweet and totally charming. You will fall in love with Jack from the beginning. Him trying to fit in with playing rugby was hilarious. Eliza I loved her and the two of them together was amazingly perfect. Definitely a perfect Rom Com if you in the mood for a good laugh 😊
October 25, 2021
This Jock Hard didn't work for me. It started out boring - the chemistry between MCs was poor. The only banters were British vs. American English differences (I really thought that words like loo / flat or shag are notorious), and the only struggle these two MCs had was heroine's pathetic roommate and something called a "Girl code".
It was ridiculous because the said roommate didn't even date the guy. She brought him once home, when he had no intention in sleeping with her or anything similar, and since then he didn't show the slightest interest in her. She even texted him more than 10 times in one evening, and after not receiving a single response, she didn't get the hint, still. 
After she found out (roommate) about heroine and her "closer friendship" (relationship still at the beginning), she kicked heroine from their place. Leaving her with no other choice than to move in with the Hero...
Two and half stars, which is very generous. Jock Royal didn't thrill me either, and this one was even worse. Still desperately hoping for Jock Romeo 🙏 (Rome seems like a very sweet guy 😍)
September 23, 2021
“Jock Reign” was such a fun and sweet story and I had fallen for Jack from the very first chapter. The banter and the angst between Jack and Eliza was absolutely entertaining and I devoured this story in just a couple hours.
Jack is a transfer from London and he is following in his brother’s, Ashley, footsteps. Although he has no desire for sports, he signed himself up for the Rugby team because that’s what his brother did. Jack has put himself into his brother’s shadow because of a bad break up back home in England. He feels since his brother found his wife there and had an amazing experience, that he will too. At a party one night, he meets a girl who is obviously interested in him for his accent and background. But he walks her back to her apartment and there he meets her roommate, Eliza. Eliza is an artist and loves comic books. Jack is instantly drawn to her because he has the same nerdy love. The two develop a friendship while trying to ignore how they feel about each other.
Jack is a big, goofy, nerdy, loveable Brit who will steal your heart from the beginning. I loved how he came to America for a fresh start but was definitely a little culture shocked. England and America are two different worlds when it comes to a lot of things. Jack is so adorable with his mannerisms and quirks. Eliza is a favorite of mine too. I love that she’s an artist and not completely boy crazy like a lot are when in college. These two developed a friendship first before anything happened. I loved them teasing between the two and things between them never felt rushed or forced. The little teaser for the next book has me anxiously awaiting for it to be published.
Jack is a transfer from London and he is following in his brother’s, Ashley, footsteps. Although he has no desire for sports, he signed himself up for the Rugby team because that’s what his brother did. Jack has put himself into his brother’s shadow because of a bad break up back home in England. He feels since his brother found his wife there and had an amazing experience, that he will too. At a party one night, he meets a girl who is obviously interested in him for his accent and background. But he walks her back to her apartment and there he meets her roommate, Eliza. Eliza is an artist and loves comic books. Jack is instantly drawn to her because he has the same nerdy love. The two develop a friendship while trying to ignore how they feel about each other.
Jack is a big, goofy, nerdy, loveable Brit who will steal your heart from the beginning. I loved how he came to America for a fresh start but was definitely a little culture shocked. England and America are two different worlds when it comes to a lot of things. Jack is so adorable with his mannerisms and quirks. Eliza is a favorite of mine too. I love that she’s an artist and not completely boy crazy like a lot are when in college. These two developed a friendship first before anything happened. I loved them teasing between the two and things between them never felt rushed or forced. The little teaser for the next book has me anxiously awaiting for it to be published.
October 1, 2021
Friendship and love could mix…
If done right. And I think Eliza and Jack’s story showed how well it could be done. Jack was an English fish out of water as he settled in to university life playing… rugby? I loved how he really didn’t have a clue but muddled his way through. He was funny, nerdy (in the best of ways) and found Eliza to be more than his match. How Eliza stuck to the girl code – though glad she did – was a mystery lol…
Eliza was a warm, welcoming character as well. Together, they didn’t cause over the top, crazy drama but tickled all the funny, emotional spots while keeping things interesting. Good chemistry, wonderful dialogue and a story that was just a pleasure to read…
New characters, already loved ones, they were all here and I can’t wait for more. That epilogue was a teaser… ~Diane, 4.5 stars
If done right. And I think Eliza and Jack’s story showed how well it could be done. Jack was an English fish out of water as he settled in to university life playing… rugby? I loved how he really didn’t have a clue but muddled his way through. He was funny, nerdy (in the best of ways) and found Eliza to be more than his match. How Eliza stuck to the girl code – though glad she did – was a mystery lol…
Eliza was a warm, welcoming character as well. Together, they didn’t cause over the top, crazy drama but tickled all the funny, emotional spots while keeping things interesting. Good chemistry, wonderful dialogue and a story that was just a pleasure to read…
New characters, already loved ones, they were all here and I can’t wait for more. That epilogue was a teaser… ~Diane, 4.5 stars
September 28, 2021
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Jock Reign is book five of the Jock Hard Series. This is a friends to lovers romance that can be read as a complete standalone. This journey focuses on Jack Dryden-Jones and Eliza.
Jack is a British transfer student looking to follow in his brothers footsteps and to also sow his wild oats now that he's single. He's sweet, funny, and stubborn. Eliza is caring, creative, and low maintenance. She's easy to be friends with and she's loyal to a fault.
The story was entertaining, easy, light hearted, and funny. There's witty banter and some drama but nothing over the top. Though there wasn't a whole lot of progression in the plot, it was still a fun read. I'm sure we will be seeing these two in the next book, Jock Romeo.
September 30, 2021
Gah, I freaking love the Jock Hard series! To me it is just as enjoyable as the How to Date a Douchebag series!
Jock Reign is about Jack, who is Ashleys's brother from Jock Royal (the 4th book in the series). Now we had a quick intro to Jack in the previous book, but there is so much more to this guy and I enjoyed every second of getting to know this sweet and freaking adorable guy! I loved seeing the connection grow between him and Eliza and just how easily they meshed together.
All in all, this is DEFINITELY a book for you to read! It is fun and enjoyable, while still including the seriousness of growing connections and relationships. I totally give it 4.5 outta 5 stars FOR SURE and recommend you reading it now!
PS: Thank you to Sara Ney and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly.
Jock Reign is about Jack, who is Ashleys's brother from Jock Royal (the 4th book in the series). Now we had a quick intro to Jack in the previous book, but there is so much more to this guy and I enjoyed every second of getting to know this sweet and freaking adorable guy! I loved seeing the connection grow between him and Eliza and just how easily they meshed together.
All in all, this is DEFINITELY a book for you to read! It is fun and enjoyable, while still including the seriousness of growing connections and relationships. I totally give it 4.5 outta 5 stars FOR SURE and recommend you reading it now!
PS: Thank you to Sara Ney and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly.
September 30, 2021
I adore a Sara Ney story, she delivers great swoon-worthy, slow-burn page-turning must-reads. Jack and Eliza's story had been hooked from the beginning. I adored Jack, loved how this not so good rugby player, comes across the pond and settles himself nicely in the middle of Eliza and her friend's life. Well done to Ms Ney for her writing skills in truly getting inside Eliza's head, how she thought she was going to be able to keep away from the loveable Jack was beyond me, but to be fair she tried especially as her best friend likes Jack too, but our British hunk was having none of it.
Another great read, another great story by Sara Ney.
Another great read, another great story by Sara Ney.
October 1, 2021
Having read the previous books in the Jock Hard series I’ve been looking forward to this fifth installment! I picked it up as soon as i could and got back into this world. I enjoyed this story!
Having read Jock Royal I was so glad that Jack was getting his very own story! Eliza and Jack’s journey got my attention quickly. I really liked how i wasn’t sure how everything was going to play out in this story. I felt many things with these two throughout!
With Jock Reign, Ms.Ney has created such a good read! I am so looking forward to the sixth installment, Jock Romeo!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
Having read Jock Royal I was so glad that Jack was getting his very own story! Eliza and Jack’s journey got my attention quickly. I really liked how i wasn’t sure how everything was going to play out in this story. I felt many things with these two throughout!
With Jock Reign, Ms.Ney has created such a good read! I am so looking forward to the sixth installment, Jock Romeo!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
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