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Atlanta #2
Real Challenge
Women fall all over him. Why wouldn’t they? He’s tall, successful, an Olympic gold-medalist, and a blond-haired-blue-eyed charmer who knows how to get what he wants. Scott Merchant has everything figured out...with one exception: Cassie Walker.
Within the first hour of meeting Cassie, arrogant playboy Scott wants her. He puts her in the category of obnoxious, ridiculous...and hot. He’s oddly attracted to her brash attitude and her refusal to be impressed by him. For Scott, Cassie becomes his next challenge. She is worth his efforts, and she does her best to passionately inspire him in as many ways as she can.
Within the first hour of meeting Cassie, arrogant playboy Scott wants her. He puts her in the category of obnoxious, ridiculous...and hot. He’s oddly attracted to her brash attitude and her refusal to be impressed by him. For Scott, Cassie becomes his next challenge. She is worth his efforts, and she does her best to passionately inspire him in as many ways as she can.
Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 16, 2014
3 ½ stars for me. I really, loved, loved “Unlikely Hero” but I didn’t like this one as much. I thought the sex got a bit repetitive in this one and there was too much of it, it came across as filler and got to be boring. I liked both of the characters although I think one scene in the book will put off some readers (It really didn’t bother me as it came across as very realistic).
****SPOILER****
The H and h are taking a break from each other for a few months (H is an accountant and it is tax season, he is having a hard time with h she wants to know who he “Really” is…he finds it annoying, anyhow they have agreed to take a break until tax season is over and than H can concentrate on what he really wants. A college friend calls him up and they go out to a club. He hooks up with a brief bootie call in a an alley,
***END SPOILER***
Overall I enjoyed the book but think the first one was much better.
****SPOILER****
The H and h are taking a break from each other for a few months (H is an accountant and it is tax season, he is having a hard time with h she wants to know who he “Really” is…he finds it annoying, anyhow they have agreed to take a break until tax season is over and than H can concentrate on what he really wants. A college friend calls him up and they go out to a club. He hooks up with a brief bootie call in a an alley,
***END SPOILER***
Overall I enjoyed the book but think the first one was much better.
April 1, 2020
Here's how the story happened: I wrote the character of Cassie into "Unlikely Hero" which at the time I intended as a stand-alone. But then I fell in love with Cassie completely and she needed her own book. Since I already had Scott in the scene, I was hoping they could fit...and they absolutely did! I so wish I could be Cassie with her bold, confident, joyful, funny take on life. I had a blast writing her and her love story with Scott. Thanks for taking time to check out my book! www.kemmiemichaels.com
January 17, 2014
An awful heroine, mean and rude
I stopped reading this story at around the 40% mark. The heroine was so awful, I can imagine why anybody would want to read about her. I read the 3rd book in this series and Cassie's awful nosiness and brash attitude were hinted at in that book as well. Unless she was to get a huge comeuppance in this book, I would not be interested in her anyway. This was a big disappointment for me.
I stopped reading this story at around the 40% mark. The heroine was so awful, I can imagine why anybody would want to read about her. I read the 3rd book in this series and Cassie's awful nosiness and brash attitude were hinted at in that book as well. Unless she was to get a huge comeuppance in this book, I would not be interested in her anyway. This was a big disappointment for me.
February 21, 2018
Oh this was a story of two unlikely people finding strength and 💘 love and finally where they belong. Marcus and Erin are total opposite but they make it work. So ready for Cassie story.
October 6, 2024
I really enjoyed the first one, this one not so much. I am not inclined to read the third one.
September 16, 2013
Gush gush gush... That is what I am about to do. First I need to figure out where to start. This book Real Challenge is book 2 in the Atlanta Series by Kemmie Michaels. This woman is an amazingly talented individual. In the first book we meet Cassie and her twin brother who have overcome an abusive father. In the first book Marcus (Cassie’s brother) finds love through a notebook. In this book it is Cassie’s turn to tell her story and find someone she can love and can love her.
Cassie is a spitfire! In fact I wish I could be more like Cassie in every way. This girl could care less what others think, and has her own style and positive attitude. I absolutely love her! Her life hasn’t been easy though and when she meets Scott Merchant she gives him a run for his money.
Real Challenge is the perfect name for this book because the two challenge each other in every way, and remind on another to keep it “real” Scott needs to learn “who he is” and although Cassie can see the “real Scott he isn’t sure what she means. These two will crack you up, and having you falling in love with them!
One of the things I love about Kemmie Michaels books is that the characters are incredibly well developed, and you really feel like you know them. The love and support that Marcus and Cassie show each other is amazing, and there is a deeper meaning to the story line than just love and sex.
I could go on and on about this wonderful story of finding yourself, keeping joy in your life, and love. However I won’t I will simply tell you that this well put together story deserves 5 stars out of 5!
Here are some of my favorite quotes from this story
“Of course I do. You think I don’t practice at it? If there was an Olympic event in smart-ass, I’d win gold.” –Cassie
“I realize the difference between who I was and who I might be.” –Scott
“All of it – everything happy is from you. Everything. I love you so much.” –Scott
“Joy can change a person.” -Cassie
October 14, 2013
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
What a fun and intriguing story! This is the second book in the Atlanta series and it was just as good as the first book (Unlikely Hero), but in a different way. Kemmie's writing between both books is very different from each other. I highly recommend this book after reading something intense as this one will make you laugh. "Real Challenge" can be a stand alone, but there are characters from the first book that play a big part in the second.
Twenty-seven year old Scott Merchant is a Senior Tax Manager who is quickly making his way up the ladder to hopefully being partner in the firm one day. He's a fun, loving, sexy, intense, former Olympic gold medallist who has women falling at his feet. That is until he meets 25 year old Cassie Walker, who is beautiful, obnoxious, funny, irritating, sassy and unique. "Real Challenge" had me laughing out loud at Cassie's quirky ways and buoyant personality.
They met at Cassie's twin brother Marcus' house warming party. Scott lays his charm on Cassie, but she's not falling for it. She sees right through him which then makes her a challenge and Scott loves a challenge. He sees something in Cassie that makes him feel alive. She sees something in Scott that he doesn't see and she make It her mission to get him to open his eyes and find joy in his life again. He's clueless and has no idea what she's talking about as he's happy with where his life has taken him. Can Cassie get Scott to drop his "strut and charm" attitude and finally bring out his true self?
This story was funny, passionate, steamy, heart warming, adventurous and sometimes sad. I got a kick out of the hilarious banter between Cassie and Scott. Kemmie Michaels did it again and gave us a wonderful, fun loving story. I cannot wait to hear what's in store for Cassie's best friend, Jenna.
What a fun and intriguing story! This is the second book in the Atlanta series and it was just as good as the first book (Unlikely Hero), but in a different way. Kemmie's writing between both books is very different from each other. I highly recommend this book after reading something intense as this one will make you laugh. "Real Challenge" can be a stand alone, but there are characters from the first book that play a big part in the second.
Twenty-seven year old Scott Merchant is a Senior Tax Manager who is quickly making his way up the ladder to hopefully being partner in the firm one day. He's a fun, loving, sexy, intense, former Olympic gold medallist who has women falling at his feet. That is until he meets 25 year old Cassie Walker, who is beautiful, obnoxious, funny, irritating, sassy and unique. "Real Challenge" had me laughing out loud at Cassie's quirky ways and buoyant personality.
They met at Cassie's twin brother Marcus' house warming party. Scott lays his charm on Cassie, but she's not falling for it. She sees right through him which then makes her a challenge and Scott loves a challenge. He sees something in Cassie that makes him feel alive. She sees something in Scott that he doesn't see and she make It her mission to get him to open his eyes and find joy in his life again. He's clueless and has no idea what she's talking about as he's happy with where his life has taken him. Can Cassie get Scott to drop his "strut and charm" attitude and finally bring out his true self?
This story was funny, passionate, steamy, heart warming, adventurous and sometimes sad. I got a kick out of the hilarious banter between Cassie and Scott. Kemmie Michaels did it again and gave us a wonderful, fun loving story. I cannot wait to hear what's in store for Cassie's best friend, Jenna.
December 7, 2018
Real Challenge begins where the first book left off. Cassie meets Scott at her brother's house warming party. She instantly has him figured out as a snob, but is surprised when he starts dishing back at her what she threw at him. She actually accepts his invite for dinner. These two have a few dates before Cassie decides they should give it time because Scott is so busy from work. So they decide to wait to see each other in two months when he's not so busy, and figure out what he wants. Scott doesn't know what to do with Cassie. He knows that she is so different from anyone he's ever been with before, and he's just not sure how to act. She makes him think differently, and he makes her happy, and joyful. These two have a bumpy road ahead, but they will work hard to get over everything to be together.
I liked this one a lot more than the first one. I didn't understand really the whole wait two months thing, but it paid off in the end. I loved Cassie. She has this awesome personality, and she's not afraid to be who she is. I just loved her all the way around. And Scott, well I didn't really like him at first but he grew on me through out the book I actually ended up really liking him. And I loved both of them together. It was also awesome to get to see more of Erin, and Marcus. And now I'm excited for the next book because the end of this one left me kind of confused about the next book's main characters.
I liked this one a lot more than the first one. I didn't understand really the whole wait two months thing, but it paid off in the end. I loved Cassie. She has this awesome personality, and she's not afraid to be who she is. I just loved her all the way around. And Scott, well I didn't really like him at first but he grew on me through out the book I actually ended up really liking him. And I loved both of them together. It was also awesome to get to see more of Erin, and Marcus. And now I'm excited for the next book because the end of this one left me kind of confused about the next book's main characters.
May 10, 2016
Real Challenge by Kemmie Michaels
Following on from Unlikely Hero, Real Challenge is the 2nd book in Kemmie Michaels Atlanta Series. My only issue with these books is that in places they have felt a little drawn out, however I have Loved reading about the characters in these books. My favourite character throughout has been Cassie, Marcus's Twin sister, whereas with Marcus his life was severely effected by the abuse the pair suffered at the hands of their father. Turning to violence and creating anger issues, with Cassie she chose to turn the other cheek and believe the good in people and think happy thoughts and just generally be a little bit quirky.
Scott was completely different to Cassie, Olympic medalist, successful accountant and a player. When you meet him in unlikely hero he seems a little staid and boring not wanting to rock the boat it isn't until Real Challenge that you meet the real Scott Swimmer player etc.
I loved how Cassie didn't let Scott be a cutout character how she challenged and questioned him challenging him to be a better person and get to the bottoms of who he really was.
This series for me has all been about personal growth and challenging the ideal, not excepting limitations and rising above. I'm going to stick to a theme with the rating and give it 4 stars Real Challenge was an enjoyable read, but it's still drawn out in places with bits of background info that can only be described as filler.
B2B
Heather
Following on from Unlikely Hero, Real Challenge is the 2nd book in Kemmie Michaels Atlanta Series. My only issue with these books is that in places they have felt a little drawn out, however I have Loved reading about the characters in these books. My favourite character throughout has been Cassie, Marcus's Twin sister, whereas with Marcus his life was severely effected by the abuse the pair suffered at the hands of their father. Turning to violence and creating anger issues, with Cassie she chose to turn the other cheek and believe the good in people and think happy thoughts and just generally be a little bit quirky.
Scott was completely different to Cassie, Olympic medalist, successful accountant and a player. When you meet him in unlikely hero he seems a little staid and boring not wanting to rock the boat it isn't until Real Challenge that you meet the real Scott Swimmer player etc.
I loved how Cassie didn't let Scott be a cutout character how she challenged and questioned him challenging him to be a better person and get to the bottoms of who he really was.
This series for me has all been about personal growth and challenging the ideal, not excepting limitations and rising above. I'm going to stick to a theme with the rating and give it 4 stars Real Challenge was an enjoyable read, but it's still drawn out in places with bits of background info that can only be described as filler.
B2B
Heather
November 4, 2013
Gosh, I don't know where to even begin writing reviews for Kemmie's books. She renders me speechless every time. I believe we will have a USA best-seller author in the near future.
So, lets see here... This is Cassie and Scott's story and I absolutely LOVE them. At first, I wasn't sure how they would work as a couple because they are totally opposites, but you know what they say.. opposites attract! I loved Cassie in the first book Unlikely Hero, sister of Marcus. They grew up in an abusive household but she lives life to the fullest and I love her personality. She knows who she is and has a spit fire attitude.
Then you have Scott who is a Tax Manager and his only goal is to make it to the top. He's all business and thinks he has it all and knows what he wants and who he is. Once he meets Cassie though he starts to question it all. She doesn't fall for his charm and that intrigues him. Couldn't have picked a better title for this story because that's simply what this book is about. Cassie challenges him and wants to know the "real" him. There were parts that I wanted to slap both of them but other than that I love these two together and how incredible their journey was.
And as if the cover doesn't tell you, then you'll enjoy this sexiness of a man. He'll definitely heat up the bedroom or wherever for that fact.
So, lets see here... This is Cassie and Scott's story and I absolutely LOVE them. At first, I wasn't sure how they would work as a couple because they are totally opposites, but you know what they say.. opposites attract! I loved Cassie in the first book Unlikely Hero, sister of Marcus. They grew up in an abusive household but she lives life to the fullest and I love her personality. She knows who she is and has a spit fire attitude.
Then you have Scott who is a Tax Manager and his only goal is to make it to the top. He's all business and thinks he has it all and knows what he wants and who he is. Once he meets Cassie though he starts to question it all. She doesn't fall for his charm and that intrigues him. Couldn't have picked a better title for this story because that's simply what this book is about. Cassie challenges him and wants to know the "real" him. There were parts that I wanted to slap both of them but other than that I love these two together and how incredible their journey was.
And as if the cover doesn't tell you, then you'll enjoy this sexiness of a man. He'll definitely heat up the bedroom or wherever for that fact.
October 7, 2014
At times I was torn over whether I really liked this novel, or if it was just a good read. In the end, I think it will be one of those books that stays in my mind for a long time. I read a lot of the negative reviews about Cassie, and was a little nervous, but I really liked her character. The romance was sweet and hot and I really enjoy how well the author intertwined the sexual and emotional aspects of the relationships, as well as their separate lives outside of the relationship. Cassie's outlook is unique and I enjoyed reading it and seeing it through both her and Scott's eyes. As for the reason I was torn, I felt like the story drug about halfway through, but then picked up again at the three quarter mark. I felt the couple had hit a wall of sorts, and it seemed like it was going in circles or stagnant at least. However, once the plot changed up, it recaptured my attention completely.
What stands out to me is the author having such different relationships and personalities in the first two books of the trilogy, and it makes me excited for the third book. I love when authors truly differentiate between the characters, the time, and the relationship paths. It makes it much more exciting to read each story, rather than know how it's going to go.
What stands out to me is the author having such different relationships and personalities in the first two books of the trilogy, and it makes me excited for the third book. I love when authors truly differentiate between the characters, the time, and the relationship paths. It makes it much more exciting to read each story, rather than know how it's going to go.
May 9, 2014
I actually really liked the restaurant Scott took Cassie for their first date, I kinda wish it was real, it was honestly really unique, "yep. They kind of mix the jail motif with the gourmet atmosphere. It's a strange mash up. Based on your house alone, I'm guessing you're going to like it," he teased." The boy isn't afraid to show how he feels, "he grabbed her hips and jerked her forward into him and practically dove into her mouth. All strategy was gone and Cassie finally sensed how much he wanted her." I mean Cassie I loved how unpredictable she was and I loved how she kept Scott on his toes, "he reached around to grab her a** and realized she was actually wearing a thong. Damn! His erection was now raging and he couldn't wait to take her." I really loved how passionate these two were when they were together, "Scott barely had time to roll on the condom that Cassie handed him from the nightstand drawer. Damn the interruption again. Once he was sheathed, he pounded into her hard and pinned her hands up over her head." I actually enjoyed reading this one more than the first one in the series.
August 16, 2015
Real Challenge by Kemmie Michaels indeed was challenging due to the nature of the subjects that were explored.
I have met Scott as Erin's boss. Olimpic medalist, successful accountant and a player. He appeared to be a shallow character until Kemmie Michaels unraveled his depth through Cassie.
Cassie was sweet, coming from an abusive family who refused to be a victim of her past and found her own path in life. I couldn't expect less from Marcus sister.
I have absolutely loved how she challenged and questioned Scott. So many of us go through life doing things that we don't like without even knowing what we're are missing.
This book for me was a story of personal exploration and uncover of one's path and joy.
What I like the most about Kemmie Michaels books is that they are not just romances. She explores different aspects of human interaction and challenges, personal growth and the obstacles that we put on our path.
I am not giving a 5 star rating to the story because, personally, I would have wanted less sexuality for such an lengthy book. But Kemmie Michaels is on my favorite authors list.
I have met Scott as Erin's boss. Olimpic medalist, successful accountant and a player. He appeared to be a shallow character until Kemmie Michaels unraveled his depth through Cassie.
Cassie was sweet, coming from an abusive family who refused to be a victim of her past and found her own path in life. I couldn't expect less from Marcus sister.
I have absolutely loved how she challenged and questioned Scott. So many of us go through life doing things that we don't like without even knowing what we're are missing.
This book for me was a story of personal exploration and uncover of one's path and joy.
What I like the most about Kemmie Michaels books is that they are not just romances. She explores different aspects of human interaction and challenges, personal growth and the obstacles that we put on our path.
I am not giving a 5 star rating to the story because, personally, I would have wanted less sexuality for such an lengthy book. But Kemmie Michaels is on my favorite authors list.
February 21, 2014
Didn't like this one as much as the first to me Cassie was a #*!?@...didn't like fact that she tried to change him from the get go I mean the two personalities he supposedly had was stupid I mean who doesn't go to work in a different mode if you didn't you'd probably get fired....totally unrealistic....and if he wasn't right for you he just is not don't try to put him in your mold of the perfect man I mean dang on a rant here lol
August 28, 2015
This story was just too much for me. Cassie was a bit loopy and annoying at times but I liked Scott. I keep screaming at the book for her to shut it especially when she won't let on to Scott about who he is(the real him). I thought that was s bit strange as thats the first thing she said to him when they met. Who says that? Anyways the storyline was ok but just lacks substance. For sure not the best in the series so far. Still love the author's writing style and I can't wait to read the next.
July 4, 2016
3 1/2 stars. Bit disappointed by this book after the surprisingly enjoyable first book in the series. Cassie and Scott's story just seems to drag and takes ages to get any where. The scenes are a little repetitive and though over all there is a good story, it just didn't engage me enough to keep me reading avidly.
November 15, 2013
Where to start?! Loved this book just as much as Unlikely Hero! Different plots of course, but Cassie is amazing. Strong, independent and free spirited, my kinds girl! I love her influence on Scott and their journey. Can't deny the love for Marcus still!!! Great book! 4.5 stars for sure!!!!!!
March 20, 2014
Cassie and Scott are the freaking cutest couple ever! I absolutely fell in love with Cassie. She reminds me of myself and of real people! Scott is an amazing man trying to find himself. Cassie helps him in finding the true Scott and their journey was amazing. Highly recommended.
November 5, 2013
3.5 stars. Liked this one more than book one. There was more steam between the characters. Good storyline.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews