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Blitzed #1
Defenseless
After Cade Williams, the best tight end Madison University has ever seen, is acquitted by a jury and reinstated by the dean, he is determined to focus on three goals:
1. Help his team win a bowl game,
2. Ace his exams and, most importantly,
3. Women are completely, utterly, and irrevocably off-limits.
Strait-laced accounting major, Vivian Ellis, hasn’t watched a complete game of football in her life. And when she receives her tutoring assignment, the last student she expected was Cade. Not only has the football star earned a reputation as the best looking heart-breaker on campus, his recent trial has made him notorious.
But Cade is done with his past and he wants to prove it. When his teammates invite him to a celebration in his honor, he asks Vi to come along to keep the party-girls at bay. Except when Vi shows up without her glasses, she’s as sexy-hot as a runway model. Worse, his tutor is as off-limits as any woman can get. As the season continues, sparks fly while their chemistry darts from simmering to scorching. Until everything is blown to hell. Challenged by hateful rumors and a devastating injury, will these star-crossed lovers find the mettle to get back in the game?
1. Help his team win a bowl game,
2. Ace his exams and, most importantly,
3. Women are completely, utterly, and irrevocably off-limits.
Strait-laced accounting major, Vivian Ellis, hasn’t watched a complete game of football in her life. And when she receives her tutoring assignment, the last student she expected was Cade. Not only has the football star earned a reputation as the best looking heart-breaker on campus, his recent trial has made him notorious.
But Cade is done with his past and he wants to prove it. When his teammates invite him to a celebration in his honor, he asks Vi to come along to keep the party-girls at bay. Except when Vi shows up without her glasses, she’s as sexy-hot as a runway model. Worse, his tutor is as off-limits as any woman can get. As the season continues, sparks fly while their chemistry darts from simmering to scorching. Until everything is blown to hell. Challenged by hateful rumors and a devastating injury, will these star-crossed lovers find the mettle to get back in the game?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2021
162 people are currently reading
1632 people want to read
About the author
Amy Jarecki
113 books1,713 followersKnown for her action-packed, passionate romances, USA TODAY Bestselling Author Amy Jarecki has received reader and critical praise throughout her writing career. She won the prestigious RT Reviewers' Choice award for THE HIGHLAND DUKE and a RONE award from InD’tale Magazine for Best Time Travel for her novel RISE OF A LEGEND. In addition to being a USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Amy has earned the designation as an Amazon All Star Author. She holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland and now resides in Wisconsin with her husband where she writes immersive historical and contemporary romance novels.
Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books on amyjarecki.com!
Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books on amyjarecki.com!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 47 reviews
August 9, 2025
DNF...
I am very disappointed because this book actually has a pretty good plot. A college football star who's expected to have a brilliant future is falsely accused of sexual assault and by a close friend nonetheless.
I thought this book would dig deep into societal propriety, misconceptions, crossing blurred lines, rising from rock bottoms and refinding yourself.
Instead we get a wattpad-ish writing, clichéd plot, and shallowness. The author doesn't even dive past surface level.
He's a fallen football star who turns his life around and vows to set his priorities straight.
she's a look-at-her-once-if-any nerd who becomes a total babe after a makeover.
Don't get me wrong I love my MFCs gorgeous and my MMCs ripped, I am vain like that but this one just fell short. Totally predictable.
Serves me right for being conned by that cover after ogling it for the better part of my day... 💅
I am very disappointed because this book actually has a pretty good plot. A college football star who's expected to have a brilliant future is falsely accused of sexual assault and by a close friend nonetheless.
I thought this book would dig deep into societal propriety, misconceptions, crossing blurred lines, rising from rock bottoms and refinding yourself.
Instead we get a wattpad-ish writing, clichéd plot, and shallowness. The author doesn't even dive past surface level.
He's a fallen football star who turns his life around and vows to set his priorities straight.
she's a look-at-her-once-if-any nerd who becomes a total babe after a makeover.
Don't get me wrong I love my MFCs gorgeous and my MMCs ripped, I am vain like that but this one just fell short. Totally predictable.
Serves me right for being conned by that cover after ogling it for the better part of my day... 💅
July 24, 2022
Cade & Vivianne
Cade is tight end at his college. Vivianne is studying to be a CPA. After the worst year in his life, being accused of sexual assault and being expelled Cade is found not guilty.
Cades lawyer also gets the Dean to reinstate him and get him back on the football team. But he needs to seriously get his grades back up and is assigned a tutor. Enter Vivianne.
I truly enjoyed this book. It goes to show you that even a man can be a victim of lies that can ruin their lives. Interestingly enough he was targeted just because.
Cade is tight end at his college. Vivianne is studying to be a CPA. After the worst year in his life, being accused of sexual assault and being expelled Cade is found not guilty.
Cades lawyer also gets the Dean to reinstate him and get him back on the football team. But he needs to seriously get his grades back up and is assigned a tutor. Enter Vivianne.
I truly enjoyed this book. It goes to show you that even a man can be a victim of lies that can ruin their lives. Interestingly enough he was targeted just because.
September 9, 2021
This is the best football romance I have ever read. It stands to reason as it was written by the extremely talented pen of Amy Jarecki. I swear there is no genre she cannot write! This had a great understanding of the game and I felt like I was living the story with the characters. It was written in alternating first person so we were in both of the h/h heads. I hurt for Cade, I blead with Vi as Cade shut her out. I was so happy for each of them at their HEA! Excellent story.
We come into the story as tight end Cade Williams is acquitted in the rape of a fellow classmate. The evidence showed it was consensual. Cade has lost a year of school and comes out of the ordeal with 3 goals. 1. Help his team win and get to the Rose Bowl and get drafted to go pro. 2. Ace his grades and graduate proud. 3. Women are off limits! He meets Vivian Ellis when she's assigned as his accounting tutor. There is instant chemistry which each tries to ignore. Vivian isn't sure she trusts Cade and Cade has been so badly burned he knows women are a distraction from his goals. When his teammates throw a party to welcome him back he asked Vi to be his bodyguard to keep chicks away from him. Vi does her job well. The chemistry keeps getting hotter as they spend the term together. Eventually things happen and Cade has to make choices with how he's going to spend his time and Vi gets shut out because of his fear. I loved how Amy worked the situations out to make them sort out their hearts. Cade discovers not all woman are out to hurt him and Vi finds a man who can love her.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
We come into the story as tight end Cade Williams is acquitted in the rape of a fellow classmate. The evidence showed it was consensual. Cade has lost a year of school and comes out of the ordeal with 3 goals. 1. Help his team win and get to the Rose Bowl and get drafted to go pro. 2. Ace his grades and graduate proud. 3. Women are off limits! He meets Vivian Ellis when she's assigned as his accounting tutor. There is instant chemistry which each tries to ignore. Vivian isn't sure she trusts Cade and Cade has been so badly burned he knows women are a distraction from his goals. When his teammates throw a party to welcome him back he asked Vi to be his bodyguard to keep chicks away from him. Vi does her job well. The chemistry keeps getting hotter as they spend the term together. Eventually things happen and Cade has to make choices with how he's going to spend his time and Vi gets shut out because of his fear. I loved how Amy worked the situations out to make them sort out their hearts. Cade discovers not all woman are out to hurt him and Vi finds a man who can love her.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 10, 2021
Best sports romance of 2021!
This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go. At times it may leave you either breathless, near tears or smiling so big people will think you’re crazy lol. Not only does this couple have an instant connection but they’re chemistry was undeniably hot!
The despair this football star endures throughout this story is heartbreaking but as with all great romance there’s an amazing and strong woman who wants to help him get through this, she’s just not sure how.
Although nothing like this has happened to me personally, I understand that this subject is a real life issue and I appreciate the way this was written.
This story is performed by two amazingly talented narrators. Amanda Stribling has the perfect voice for Viv, and she has a fantastic male voice. Blake Lockheart performed Cade brilliantly. Both narrators showcased their talents brilliantly and really brought the emotions and feelings to life.
This story can be read as a standalone and has an HEA.
I highly recommend this book, and secretly hoping it’s going to be part of a series. ;)
Sisters Spotlight 💜
This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go. At times it may leave you either breathless, near tears or smiling so big people will think you’re crazy lol. Not only does this couple have an instant connection but they’re chemistry was undeniably hot!
The despair this football star endures throughout this story is heartbreaking but as with all great romance there’s an amazing and strong woman who wants to help him get through this, she’s just not sure how.
Although nothing like this has happened to me personally, I understand that this subject is a real life issue and I appreciate the way this was written.
This story is performed by two amazingly talented narrators. Amanda Stribling has the perfect voice for Viv, and she has a fantastic male voice. Blake Lockheart performed Cade brilliantly. Both narrators showcased their talents brilliantly and really brought the emotions and feelings to life.
This story can be read as a standalone and has an HEA.
I highly recommend this book, and secretly hoping it’s going to be part of a series. ;)
Sisters Spotlight 💜
July 10, 2021
This book brought me right back to my high school and college days. Memories I had forgotten and tucked away. A story of young love and how at that age, we make stupid decisions and jump to wrong conclusions.
You'll get to see the path these two take, and although rocky at times (as life is) will bring to light exactly what is important in life.
I'm one of those odd women that love football. I'm glued to the TV every Sunday during the NFL season where dinner has to be a quick preparation so I don't miss the game, so this ARC was an easy choice for me. But this story may have the theme about football, it's main them are two people who come together by chance and both grow through the struggles set before them.
I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to post my review. Great story!
You'll get to see the path these two take, and although rocky at times (as life is) will bring to light exactly what is important in life.
I'm one of those odd women that love football. I'm glued to the TV every Sunday during the NFL season where dinner has to be a quick preparation so I don't miss the game, so this ARC was an easy choice for me. But this story may have the theme about football, it's main them are two people who come together by chance and both grow through the struggles set before them.
I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to post my review. Great story!
November 7, 2025
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading Defenseless. It was written by the extremely talented pen of Amy Jarecki. I swear there is no genre she cannot write. It was written in alternating first person so we were in both of the h/h heads. I hurt for Cade, I blead with Vi as Cade shut her out. I was living the story with the characters. I was so happy for each of them at their HEA! Excellent story.
July 27, 2021
I love Cade and Vivian’s story. It
reminds us to never jump to conclusions
unless their is 100% proof. I love
how Cade remains a Gentleman
even when people are being cruel.
Vivian is just what Cade needs in a
tutor.
Amy Jarecki, thank you for another
fantastic story. I love when honor and
truth wins in the end!
This was an ARC gift.
reminds us to never jump to conclusions
unless their is 100% proof. I love
how Cade remains a Gentleman
even when people are being cruel.
Vivian is just what Cade needs in a
tutor.
Amy Jarecki, thank you for another
fantastic story. I love when honor and
truth wins in the end!
This was an ARC gift.
August 6, 2021
In Amy Jarecki's Defenseless a college football star and a brainy beauty discover that the power of love triumphed over seemingly insurmountable obstacles for a captivating read!
Cade and Vivian were a couple that were able to see past the superficial. The challenge that Cade had of dealing with the stigma of a false accusation that nearly ruined his life was emotional and tension filled, keeping readers engaged in his angst. Vivian was without a doubt a person who based her opinions on facts versus speculation, willing to make the right choices rather than the easy ones. Her loyalty and devotion to Cade was pretty spectacular considering the constant scrutiny and pressure that followed this pair. The struggle and guilt Cade felt over whether to follow his heart or keep his distance from Vivian was done very well by Ms. Jarecki. There was a steady, strong attraction between this pair throughout this work.
Amy Jarecki continues to show her diversity as a writer in Defenseless. No matter the subject matter this author tackles she demonstrates the appropriate levels of expertise to make her stories authentic and believable. Amy Jarecki's introduction into the new adult genre with Defenseless shows that no matter what this author writes it is sure to be a hit with her audience!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
Cade and Vivian were a couple that were able to see past the superficial. The challenge that Cade had of dealing with the stigma of a false accusation that nearly ruined his life was emotional and tension filled, keeping readers engaged in his angst. Vivian was without a doubt a person who based her opinions on facts versus speculation, willing to make the right choices rather than the easy ones. Her loyalty and devotion to Cade was pretty spectacular considering the constant scrutiny and pressure that followed this pair. The struggle and guilt Cade felt over whether to follow his heart or keep his distance from Vivian was done very well by Ms. Jarecki. There was a steady, strong attraction between this pair throughout this work.
Amy Jarecki continues to show her diversity as a writer in Defenseless. No matter the subject matter this author tackles she demonstrates the appropriate levels of expertise to make her stories authentic and believable. Amy Jarecki's introduction into the new adult genre with Defenseless shows that no matter what this author writes it is sure to be a hit with her audience!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
December 24, 2021
Defenseless by Amy Jarecki
A College Sports Romance
Can you imagine being accused of something you did not do? What if that were to happen to you and your life was put on hold for a year. Your plans disrupted, your future in limbo, your confidence shattered ~ how would Cade come back if acquitted?
Can you imagine being a senior female college student tutoring for extra money and being given the name of a student to tutor that has been accused and acquitted of rape? A gorgeous young male athlete who’s star has been tarnished…what would you do?
What I liked:
* Cade Williams: son, brother, friend, strong, athletic, talented, resilient, focused on his goals, professional goals, beautiful in body and spirit, has trust issues, loves deeply, conflicted, able to love deeply.
* Vivian Ellis: daughter, granddaughter, friend, tutor, curvy, nerdy, brilliant, focused on her future, diligent, athletic, caring, kind, capable, stalwart, trusting, and more.
* The chemistry between Cade and Vi
* The friendship Vi had with Lisa
* The team spirit and friendship of the football’s offensive team
* The sports references
* The believability factor – took me way back to college days
* That there wasn’t too much push-pull
* Looking at the court case from Cade’s perspective – too often sides are taken without facts
* That college football was not glamorized
* The exposure of a despicable person/group
* The ending
What I didn’t like:
* What I was meant not to like – the nefarious person/group and the impact they hada
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
A College Sports Romance
Can you imagine being accused of something you did not do? What if that were to happen to you and your life was put on hold for a year. Your plans disrupted, your future in limbo, your confidence shattered ~ how would Cade come back if acquitted?
Can you imagine being a senior female college student tutoring for extra money and being given the name of a student to tutor that has been accused and acquitted of rape? A gorgeous young male athlete who’s star has been tarnished…what would you do?
What I liked:
* Cade Williams: son, brother, friend, strong, athletic, talented, resilient, focused on his goals, professional goals, beautiful in body and spirit, has trust issues, loves deeply, conflicted, able to love deeply.
* Vivian Ellis: daughter, granddaughter, friend, tutor, curvy, nerdy, brilliant, focused on her future, diligent, athletic, caring, kind, capable, stalwart, trusting, and more.
* The chemistry between Cade and Vi
* The friendship Vi had with Lisa
* The team spirit and friendship of the football’s offensive team
* The sports references
* The believability factor – took me way back to college days
* That there wasn’t too much push-pull
* Looking at the court case from Cade’s perspective – too often sides are taken without facts
* That college football was not glamorized
* The exposure of a despicable person/group
* The ending
What I didn’t like:
* What I was meant not to like – the nefarious person/group and the impact they hada
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
May 30, 2022
Been months since I read this, but I remember liking it. Just had the right amount of angst and steam. I'm not typically a fan of new adult...something about the lack of maturity of college aged people, their mixed up priorities and YOLO attitude. Fortunately, this didn't have that, so I didn't mind it so much. These two characters were pretty level-headed, although Cade understandably had some trust issues which got in the way of the relationship, but overall he was very mature (except for his snit there at the end, but he managed to get out of it). Overall I did like this story. It's just that this many months later, it hasn't really stuck with me or remained memorable right? I had to go looking at reviews to spark my memory of what I'd read. So there's that. I recommend it though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf-books
August 19, 2021Had to DNF after just the first couple pages because the charges against him were for sexual assault that he said was consensual and he was found not guilty.
As a #MeToo advocate and sexual assault survivor I find the idea of a the main hero of a romance novel being arrested for sexual assault and the author promoting the idea of “false rape charges against popular college men and jocks” in very poor taste.
In fact women are far more likely not to report Rape than to come forward with a false charge. It’s believed that only between 2-7% of charges presented for sexual assault are unfounded.
This just left a horribly bad taste in my mouth that a woman would write a story that perpetuates the idea that women lie about rape and shouldn’t be believed.
As a #MeToo advocate and sexual assault survivor I find the idea of a the main hero of a romance novel being arrested for sexual assault and the author promoting the idea of “false rape charges against popular college men and jocks” in very poor taste.
In fact women are far more likely not to report Rape than to come forward with a false charge. It’s believed that only between 2-7% of charges presented for sexual assault are unfounded.
This just left a horribly bad taste in my mouth that a woman would write a story that perpetuates the idea that women lie about rape and shouldn’t be believed.
August 11, 2021
Fantastic Read
Cade who is a star football player for his college team, is charged with sexual misconduct but is acquitted and is once again playing the game he loves. He meets Vivian when she is assigned to be his tutor. He tells her the two things that on his to do list is play football and get good grades.
They do not plan on becoming a thing, but that is what happens. They also find out that some girls had set up Cade for the sexual attack because they hated any guy who played sports.
Vivian and Cade are able to find their HEA.
Cade who is a star football player for his college team, is charged with sexual misconduct but is acquitted and is once again playing the game he loves. He meets Vivian when she is assigned to be his tutor. He tells her the two things that on his to do list is play football and get good grades.
They do not plan on becoming a thing, but that is what happens. They also find out that some girls had set up Cade for the sexual attack because they hated any guy who played sports.
Vivian and Cade are able to find their HEA.
November 13, 2021
Cade star Tight End at Madison accused of sexual misconduct is how this fantastic book begins. He loses so much at the beginning of this book, when he is exonerated in a court of law, his second chapter of his life begins. Nothing was easy, however he focused on three things, get back to football, graduate and stay away from women. Two out of three is not bad. In order to accomplish the graduating, he needs a tutor. Vi the accounting major who is a geek enters Cades world and things start to change. Let’s just say it’s hard to put this book down!
October 29, 2021
OMG
I could barely put it down, I didn't want to sleep cuz having to wait to continue reading sucked, but I had to sleep.. I love how Cade finally opened his heart again.. proves no matter what happens in your past, there's someone better for you in your future.
I could barely put it down, I didn't want to sleep cuz having to wait to continue reading sucked, but I had to sleep.. I love how Cade finally opened his heart again.. proves no matter what happens in your past, there's someone better for you in your future.
September 1, 2021
🏉 Defenseless 🏉
A Stand-Alone College Sports Romance
✒️ Amy Jarecki
https://www.facebook.com/amyjarecki/
Release Date 08/03/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092DWSY9G/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
After Cade Williams, the best tight end Madison University has ever seen, is acquitted by a jury and reinstated by the dean, he is determined to focus on three goals:
1. Help his team win a bowl game,
2. Ace his exams and, most importantly,
3. Women are completely, utterly, and irrevocably off-limits.
Strait-laced accounting major, Vivian Ellis, hasn’t watched a complete game of football in her life. And when she receives her tutoring assignment, the last student she expected was Cade. Not only has the football star earned a reputation as the best looking heart-breaker on campus, his recent trial has made him notorious.
But Cade is done with his past and he wants to prove it. When his teammates invite him to a celebration in his honor, he asks Vi to come along to keep the party-girls at bay. Except when Vi shows up without her glasses, she’s as sexy-hot as a runway model. Worse, his tutor is as off-limits as any woman can get. As the season continues, sparks fly while their chemistry darts from simmering to scorching. Until everything is blown to hell. Challenged by hateful rumors and a devastating injury, will these star-crossed lovers find the mettle to get back in the game?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will his scars and fears cloud his judgement…
I have read a few of this author’s historical romance, so when I saw this story offered, I was intrigued.
I confess I began the book like the heroine, but ended with not much more knowledge of us football (sorry, I’m French).
Still, it was the relationship and its evolution which draw me to this book.
College life is so different from French universities, it is a new world in itself. So I loved it was not about sorority and frat boys but two people who have to find their way toward the others despite their misgivings.
Cade after a year in hell is back to where everything began, but he can’t fail, else many of his dreams will be over. So it is sport, his grades and absolutely no girl.
But fate is laughing its ar$€ when he is assigned a tutor who challenge his third resolution at every turn.
He came back from his trial with so much bagages, he does know any more how to interact with girls nor how to trust. Even proved innocent, he can’t walk freely, pointed at, stalked. So his games and his examens he wants to focus on. But Vivian is so tempting, she is different, she takes time to get to know him, she does see the athlete but the man. But is she too good to be true…
Vivian until she meets Cade did not even know a term of football. And while she had her doubts about tutoring him, he soon proves her he is on for hard work and no play outside the field.
Even if their chemistry reaches the chart without even trying. So she is at loss with Cade, unable to decrypt him. With her own doubts and her past romantic failures, she does not understand what such a god made man would see in her and wants from her, instead some meaningless fling.
Why they are on a journey with lots of ups and downs, as Cade has so bottled up his wounds, he appears unable to let go of his pains. Vivian will need load of patience and a core of steel when he turns into a jerk, afraid to open up.
A lively lovely tale I could not put down about a young love tried by turmoils and eaten by their own distrust.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTSws7eDp...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #romancereader #bookblog #readersofinstagram romancebookstragrammer #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #romanceauthor #bookblogger #arcread #bookstagrammer #bookreview #bookquote #romancebookreviewer #arcreader
A Stand-Alone College Sports Romance
✒️ Amy Jarecki
https://www.facebook.com/amyjarecki/
Release Date 08/03/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092DWSY9G/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
After Cade Williams, the best tight end Madison University has ever seen, is acquitted by a jury and reinstated by the dean, he is determined to focus on three goals:
1. Help his team win a bowl game,
2. Ace his exams and, most importantly,
3. Women are completely, utterly, and irrevocably off-limits.
Strait-laced accounting major, Vivian Ellis, hasn’t watched a complete game of football in her life. And when she receives her tutoring assignment, the last student she expected was Cade. Not only has the football star earned a reputation as the best looking heart-breaker on campus, his recent trial has made him notorious.
But Cade is done with his past and he wants to prove it. When his teammates invite him to a celebration in his honor, he asks Vi to come along to keep the party-girls at bay. Except when Vi shows up without her glasses, she’s as sexy-hot as a runway model. Worse, his tutor is as off-limits as any woman can get. As the season continues, sparks fly while their chemistry darts from simmering to scorching. Until everything is blown to hell. Challenged by hateful rumors and a devastating injury, will these star-crossed lovers find the mettle to get back in the game?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will his scars and fears cloud his judgement…
I have read a few of this author’s historical romance, so when I saw this story offered, I was intrigued.
I confess I began the book like the heroine, but ended with not much more knowledge of us football (sorry, I’m French).
Still, it was the relationship and its evolution which draw me to this book.
College life is so different from French universities, it is a new world in itself. So I loved it was not about sorority and frat boys but two people who have to find their way toward the others despite their misgivings.
Cade after a year in hell is back to where everything began, but he can’t fail, else many of his dreams will be over. So it is sport, his grades and absolutely no girl.
But fate is laughing its ar$€ when he is assigned a tutor who challenge his third resolution at every turn.
He came back from his trial with so much bagages, he does know any more how to interact with girls nor how to trust. Even proved innocent, he can’t walk freely, pointed at, stalked. So his games and his examens he wants to focus on. But Vivian is so tempting, she is different, she takes time to get to know him, she does see the athlete but the man. But is she too good to be true…
Vivian until she meets Cade did not even know a term of football. And while she had her doubts about tutoring him, he soon proves her he is on for hard work and no play outside the field.
Even if their chemistry reaches the chart without even trying. So she is at loss with Cade, unable to decrypt him. With her own doubts and her past romantic failures, she does not understand what such a god made man would see in her and wants from her, instead some meaningless fling.
Why they are on a journey with lots of ups and downs, as Cade has so bottled up his wounds, he appears unable to let go of his pains. Vivian will need load of patience and a core of steel when he turns into a jerk, afraid to open up.
A lively lovely tale I could not put down about a young love tried by turmoils and eaten by their own distrust.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTSws7eDp...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
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August 19, 2021
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading Defenseless, a book which I won in a Goodreads drawing. I primarily read historical romances, most of which are set during the Regency period. I was already familiar with Amy Jarecki as I’ve read several of her historical romances. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised with this charming contemporary romance she has written about a football “jock” and the relationship that develops between him and his tutor. Cade has been acquitted of a crime he didn’t commit and reinstated at the university. He plans to ace his exams, help his team go to a bowl game, and keep away from women. Vivian, a brainy accounting major, is assigned as his tutor.
I liked how the author switched Cade and Vi back and forth in first-person grammar. The writing was character-driven and she did a fine job developing the growing attraction and romance between them. There was a bit of “rockiness” in their journey to HEA and it was perfect how the truth was finally revealed about the phony charges that had been brought against Cade. The secondary characters in this work were enjoyable and I hope there might be a story later on about Vi’s roommate, Lisa. I happily rate this 3 ½ - 4 stars with a steam level of 3 ½.
I liked how the author switched Cade and Vi back and forth in first-person grammar. The writing was character-driven and she did a fine job developing the growing attraction and romance between them. There was a bit of “rockiness” in their journey to HEA and it was perfect how the truth was finally revealed about the phony charges that had been brought against Cade. The secondary characters in this work were enjoyable and I hope there might be a story later on about Vi’s roommate, Lisa. I happily rate this 3 ½ - 4 stars with a steam level of 3 ½.
April 2, 2024
Juvenile
This book had all the makings of being good. There's just a few things that could have been better. It felt very juvenile. The whole her not swearing didn't feel like it was because she was trying to keep things clean. It was more like she was just immature. I've read books where they didn't swear & it was done tastefully. Then, him being all cagey about his court case seemed odd. He knew she wasn't like the other girls, yet he still was cagey. To me, it came off as him being guilty. There's more I could go on about this, but I won't. What really got me, though, was "Devan" & "Devin"!? Which is it? The fact that it's spelled differently on the same page was frustrating! You can't even spell the name of a character the same way on the same page!? I know it's not a big deal, but with everything else, I just couldn't anymore. So I wouldn't really recommend it. On to the next!
This book had all the makings of being good. There's just a few things that could have been better. It felt very juvenile. The whole her not swearing didn't feel like it was because she was trying to keep things clean. It was more like she was just immature. I've read books where they didn't swear & it was done tastefully. Then, him being all cagey about his court case seemed odd. He knew she wasn't like the other girls, yet he still was cagey. To me, it came off as him being guilty. There's more I could go on about this, but I won't. What really got me, though, was "Devan" & "Devin"!? Which is it? The fact that it's spelled differently on the same page was frustrating! You can't even spell the name of a character the same way on the same page!? I know it's not a big deal, but with everything else, I just couldn't anymore. So I wouldn't really recommend it. On to the next!
January 1, 2022
Great quick read!
Defenseless was the first college sports romance that I’ve read in months! Ive been in a reading slump, and this definitely helped to push me out of that slump.
The story starts with Cade, the main character being acquitted for a sexual assault charge. Once he’s back at college, his plan is to focus on football and school. All that changes when he meets Vivian, his accounting tutor.
Overall, I felt the characters were very likable and it was a great read! I would’ve liked to see more development in the relationship but for the short read it was, very good!
Defenseless was the first college sports romance that I’ve read in months! Ive been in a reading slump, and this definitely helped to push me out of that slump.
The story starts with Cade, the main character being acquitted for a sexual assault charge. Once he’s back at college, his plan is to focus on football and school. All that changes when he meets Vivian, his accounting tutor.
Overall, I felt the characters were very likable and it was a great read! I would’ve liked to see more development in the relationship but for the short read it was, very good!
January 30, 2023
This book had so much potential. I really enjoyed the plot of an athlete being wrongly accused and how he has to fight his way back. I liked Cade for the most part. Vivian, however, was cringe worthy. 😬 I could not handle her self deprecating attitude and how pathetic she was. “I cleaned your apartment and baked you cookies! Why am I not good enough!” 🤮 She killed me. And the one time she finally did stand up for herself and get mad at him it was over his goals!!? She was upset because he was so focused on trying to accomplish something he loved?
I wish Vivian could have been a stronger heroine because this book was headed in a great direction until her drama.
I wish Vivian could have been a stronger heroine because this book was headed in a great direction until her drama.
January 21, 2023
Ues, It was that good!
OMG, this book had me all over the place with all kinds of emotions. Cade and Vi are a true match, and it is great to read a book where the athlete comes out the winner under such bad scrutiny. I'm so glad they got their well-deserved happily ever after! I highly recommend this book to all those who like sports romance with a little bit of everything in the story!
OMG, this book had me all over the place with all kinds of emotions. Cade and Vi are a true match, and it is great to read a book where the athlete comes out the winner under such bad scrutiny. I'm so glad they got their well-deserved happily ever after! I highly recommend this book to all those who like sports romance with a little bit of everything in the story!
February 8, 2022
This is a sweet college romance between a Football player and his nerd tutor. He is trying to build his reputation and focus on football and his courses. But can he keep his third aim and stay away from girls who try to bring him down. His curvy tutor draws his eye but can he trust her.
A easy quick read I which I enjoyed.
A easy quick read I which I enjoyed.
January 30, 2022
If you are looking for a short sport/college romance novel I could recommend this one.
For me it was too short, I missed the spark, see how the feelings start and get growing, but I still think the writer had a good plot.
For me it was too short, I missed the spark, see how the feelings start and get growing, but I still think the writer had a good plot.
May 30, 2022
4.5 stars. Loved it. Cade and Vivian are poles apart. He’s the hot jock and she is the tutor who is helping him reach his goal after a tough year. They have great chemistry between them and I devoured this story in one day. Can’t wait for book 2!!
June 9, 2022
Love this heartbreaking story of how one lie can upturn someone’s whole life, taking everything from them and one persons belief in you can make it all better. Heart warming.. some good humour.. super sexy enthralling story.
January 5, 2026
overall I liked this book. Some of the dialogue was awkward, but I had to remind myself they're in college and talk stupid more times than not. both of the characters have baggage and they both learn slowly through the book that it is ok to reopen their hearts and trust again.
August 8, 2021
Instalove but it wasn’t too bad. There were a few typos that could be cleaned up in editing but all in all it was better than some I’ve read in this category.
October 24, 2021
Meh it was fine. Things resolved too quickly in the end and their dialogue was corny. But it was cute.
November 14, 2021
3 stars is generous smh. the smut was like annoying. halfway the the book were in a pandemic like what??? where did that come from? it just was way to short of a book to take a span of OVER A YEAR
March 7, 2022
WOW
So much drama in this book but it made it oh so good! I love the fight these two had to get to where they ended. The sexual tension was great and the scenes were hot!
So much drama in this book but it made it oh so good! I love the fight these two had to get to where they ended. The sexual tension was great and the scenes were hot!
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